Language:
English
Year of publication:
2000
Titel der Quelle:
Journal of Medieval History
Angaben zur Quelle:
26,2 (2000) 145-162
Keywords:
Meir ben Elijah of Norwich
;
Antisemitism History Middle Ages, 500-1500
;
Piyyutim
Abstract:
In contrast to the accepted view of the lack of Jewish martyrological writing in medieval England (as compared to northern France and Germany), discusses a 13th-century Hebrew liturgical poem by Meir of Norwich, "Oyevi bi-me'erah tikov" ("Put a Curse on My Enemy"). This work reflects literary talent and the influence of Spanish Jewish poets of the 12th century. It is one of only two known Anglo-Jewish poems dealing with persecution, that at the time took such forms as local and collective violence, defamation, blood libel, destruction of Jewish books, pillage, imprisonment, economic punishment, exile, etc. The poem expresses religious doubt and a loss of trust in community leaders. It refers to conversion and to messianic hopes. The poem of Meir, whose identity is not clear, expresses local details of Jewish experience. Pp. 156-162 contain the original Hebrew text and an English translation by Einbinder.
Note:
With the Hebrew poem, its translation into English and an edition of the text.
DOI:
10.1016/S0304-4181(00)00004-X
URL:
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