Disciplining Jews: The Papal Inquisition of Modena, 1598-1630
Katherine Aron-Beller
History of Jews in Modena –
Archives in Modena of the Inquisition contain details of at least 476 Jews, and some 4829 Christians from 1598-1785.
In Italy, no Jews had been forced to convert.
In the Inquisition Records, between 1598 and 1630 only 9% cases were brought against Jews.
They arrived in 1025 and by 1336 they were granted privileges which meant they could maintain their religious institutions and lend money with interest rates. Bolstered by Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution elsewhere. Following the Papal annexation of Ferrara, more Jews came to Modena. In 1638, when a ghetto was created there were 750 Jews, out of a total population of 30,000. Jews could hire Christian servants and wet nurses.
The Inquisition:
Duke of Modena did not welcome the Inquisition.
Charges levelled at the Jews: Devilry, encouraging Christians to embrace Judaism, dissuading Jews from baptism, aiding and comforting heretics, defacing Christian images, and the performance of rituals abusing Christians, the church, and the sacraments. (Most of these could also be levelled at Christians.)
Canon law forbid Christians from attending Jewish weddings, festive meals, circumcisions, religious discussions, or ceremonies. Jews were also not allowed to receive Christian religious objects as pawn. Any Christian who denounced a Jew would receive a ¼ of the subsequent fine that was imposed. The Inquisition wanted to keep them apart.
Subtle differences in inquisitorial trial procedure. Christians were denounced by people who knew them, Jews could be denounced by anyone. Usually the Christians who had little contact with the Jews rather than those who did business with them.
Effect of the Inquisition on Jewish Life:
Jews believed that their legal rights would be observed (eg. one Jew refused to appear in the Inquisitorial Court on a Saturday as it was the Sabbath.) Jews usually began their testimonies by denying the charges against them – those who were tortured generally withstood it. They could generally afford the fines and thus managed to endure with little bodily harm.