Text Panel
In the Middle Ages, Jews living in Christian countries were primarily engaged
in commerce, crafts, and money lending – an occupation that was considered
sinful and one that Christians were prohibited from engaging in.
In Sepharad, Jews also worked in other occupations, ranging from
physicians, scholars, interpreters and clerical workers to advisors to the royal house and ministers.
Even though Jews were barred from belonging to Christian guilds (craftsmen and merchant associations),
they maintained extensive commercial ties and work relations with their neighbors.
Unlike the majority of the population in their countries of residence, the Jews lived in towns,
but usually on separate streets.
Only a small number of Jews owned agricultural land:
Rashi, for example, owned vineyards.
The ties that existed between Jewish communities in different countries made Jews
an important factor in international trade.
