Regional Boundaries and Medieval Halakhah: Rabbinic Responsa from Catalonia to Southern France in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries
Pinchas Roth
STUDENTS OF MEDIEVAL JEWISH HISTORY are frequently confused regarding the tangled political stoiy of Jewish communities Catalonia and southern France.* 1 Even specialists in region do not agree on how to characterize connection between these communities. Some speak Provincia as a self-contained be studied isolation from other centers, while others France Catalonia, or Christian Spain more generally, being essentially single cultural entity.2This lack clarity is unwarranted. The connections date back early Middle Ages, when both areas were fringes Carolingian Empire. Their geographic proximity similarities meant that their histories constantly intertwined shared border often fluctuated, but nevertheless two maintained distinct identities. distance them grew during thirteenth centuiy, Louis IX gained control most, eventually all, Languedoc his brother Charles Anjou became ruler Provence.* * 3 In 1306, Jews expelled Kingdom France. County Provence remained independent its place until 1501, it merged into Provence.4 suffered grievously 1391 1492, at least end fourteenth regions contact.5In this study, I propose clarify some aspects relationship they emerge halakhic responsa literature centuries. addressed by Nahmamdes, Nissim ben Reuben Girondi, point open lines communication regions, those used an ongoing way. only Catalonian decisor with whom French truly close was R. Solomon Abraham ibn Adret (Rashba) Barcelona.6 Yet careful study Rashba's reveal even he too distant-culturally physically-to always appreciate background questions received fully bridge gap communities.RABBINIC SOUTHERN FRANCEThe earliest traces rabbinic activity appear eleventh Moses ha-Darshan (the Preacher), redactor creator midrashic materials influenced famous Bible commentaiy Rashi (1040-1105) found way printed collection Midrash Rabbah.7 Other individuals period bearing titles like Rash ba-Yesbivab (head academy) Nasi (prince) chronologies later narrative sources.8 than mention names, rare citation work, virtually no written work has survived.R. Isaac Narbonne (d. 1159) first prominent sage whose literaiy legacy preserved any appreciable quantity.9 Through mentor, Judah Barcelona (see below), exposed writings Geonim, Alfasi, Andalusian sages.10 At stage, aware Talmud Samuel Meir (Rashbam), which reached him northern leading rabbis next generation came within intimate circle-his son-in-law, David Posquieres (1120-98), disciples Zerahiah ha-Levi Girona (1115-86, author Sefer ha-maor) Abba Mari Marseilles (1119-after 1193, ha-itur).n During generation, Narbonne's incipient awareness tosafists matured intense growing engagement teachings Rashbam's brother, Rabenu Tam (Jacob Meir) - led tensions members circle Languedoc. …
The Jewish Quarterly Review