The Jewish Community of Frankfurt am Main

By the twelfth century, a small Jewish community had emerged in the trading center of Frankfurt am Main. Over the coming centuries, the Jews endured periods of prosperity punctuated by persecutions, paying taxes to the authorities to ensure their right to live in the city and for protection. The community was decimated in the mid-fourteenth century, in the wake of the Black Death, leaving only a tiny community, averaging twelve families. In 1462, the Jews were confined to the Judengasse, located outside the old city walls; subsequently the population increased dramatically. By 1610, there were around three thousand Jews in the city, and homes were subdivided to house everyone within the limited area. Life in the Jewish quarter was governed by strict laws imposed by both the authorities and communal leaders. The community prospered, boasting great Torah scholars and yeshivas that attracted many students. During the rebellion of 1614, led by Vinz Fettmilch, the Jews were expelled from Frankfurt. The day of their ceremonious return in February 1616 was declared “Purim Vinz.”