Josel of Rosheim

1476–1554

Josel (Joseph) of Rosheim represented German and Polish Jews at the courts of Maximilian I and Charles V. Born in Hagenau, he lived in Mittelbergheim and later in Rosheim. In 1510, he was elected by the Jews of Alsace to represent them, and from that time on he worked as an advocate for Jewish communities, notably as representative for all Jews in the Holy Roman Empire. Besides his apologetic pamphlets, Josel of Rosheim wrote several religious and ethical works, parts of which are still extant. His memoir, written around 1547, is a personal testimony of some of the key events in the history of the Jews of the time.

Entries in the Posen Library by This Creator

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Chronicle

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In the year 5289 (1528/29), the holy martyrs of Pösing, 36 souls—men and women, youths and young girls—were arrested because of a false accusation made by a mamzer, and they died for the…

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The Letter of Consolation

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The peace of the Almighty God be with you and with all those who in their faith hope for and desire His grace and mercy. Dear and good friends and brethren of Israel. In your letter, you complain…

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Response to Martin Luther

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I would also humbly bring to Your Honours’ attention that the said Dr. Marti[n], not content with what he has already accused us of in the way of great iniquities, has now published another booklet…