CU5-2

** Goal ** Students will examine the flourishing of Jewish culture in the Mahgreb during the Middle Ages. **1. Gain the attention of the learner** ** 2. Relevant past learning ** Review the dispersion of the Jews discussed in the last class. ** 3. Introduce new material ** Summarize material on pp. 92-93, 100-101 in “A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People.” Jewish communities started out in Israel and moved to Babylonia and Rome. Oral Law was written down so that Jews away from religious centers could still follow Jewish teaching. This later became the Talmud. How easy is it to practice oral rulings (e.g. rules of a club)? What if the communities are far away from you? Jews reached Spain in Biblical Times on trade ships and entered into coastal trading colonies. Were treated as independent and self-ruling people for the most part. Judaism was treated as a legal religion. Jews mixed with neighbors while remaining faithful to Classical Judaism. In the Fifth Century German tribe called Visigoths conquered Spain and converted Spanish people to Christianity. It depended which King it was whether or not you were made to convert. One would allow Jews to practice religion freely while another made them convert. Spanish Jews created a tradition of pretending to convert while they actually practiced Judaism in secret. What would it look like to pretend you are Christian but practice Judaism in secret? What might you do? (Outward holidays and customs versus inner customs). Would it be hard? In 694 (what century? 7th) Visigoth King Egica accused Jews of helping Muslim armies to try to cross sea and attack Europe and declared all Jews become slaves. He outlawed the Jewish religion and many Jews who could escaped. In 711 the Muslims came and as they went from city to city they offered special protection to the Jews, who could be trusted and wanted their take-over to happen. Jews were able to practice their religion openly again in cities like Cordoba, Granada, Toledo, and Seville. Jews were farmers, physicians, and craftsman. Many physicians entered government. One great Jewish leader of this time was Samuel Ibn Nagrela. The Muslims were so impressed by his prowess he became the Vizer of Granada and the general of the Muslim army. He led Arab troops into victory for over twenty years. He spoke Arabic by day but continued his studies in Hebrew. During this period he continued to write poetry, and an introduction to the Talmud, sent money to the poor of Palestine. Cordoba was the center and capital of Spain, where Islam and Judaism thrived together side by side. In 929 a Jew named Hisdai Ibn Shaprut was appointed head of Jewish community in Spain and Jews no longer had to send queries about Jewish law to Babylonia. Brought a rabbi from Italy to settle questions for Jews. Spain had many religions sweep through it—Islam, Christianity, and of course, Judaism. In the 11th century (ask when is that? What’s a year that fits in the 11th century? Emphasize that it is in the 1000’s.) Many types of Islam came through Spain, one of which was the Almohad Muslims from North Africa, who set off a wave of Pogroms (who was effected by this? Maimonides) and many Jews and Christians migrated to Northern Christian Spain. The Reconquista or reconquest of Spain by the Christians—inspired to rid Spain of Muslim rulers who had taken over . **4. Provide guided practice** Samuel Ibn Nagrela was a well rounded man. His Muslim rulers and Jewish neighbors accepted him equally. What would his daily routine be like? What issues would meet the Muslims and Jews when they worked together? ** 5. Provide independent practice ** Samuel Ibn Nagrela was a noted poem Some of his poetry made its way into the Siddur. Ask students to imagine they were a poet during this time period. Each student should compose a poem that might have been written during this era.
 * 5:2 Jewish Life in the Mahgreb **
 *  6. Close the lesson **Note for the students that poetry like that produced by Samuel Ibn Nagrela was part of a great flowering of literary production by Jews in the Magreb during this period.