Essay On Jewish Enlightenment

The 18th century ushered Europe from numerous religious wars and sprawling empires into rapid economic, political and ideological change. Most notably, this period is identified with the intellectual movement known as, The Enlightenment. This movement drew Catholics, Protestants, and Jews into social and intellectual interaction debating the roles of religion, philosophy, science, and human freedom. Historically, Jews were considered Denizens; however, both European and Jewish communities began to question how Jews would Jews integrate as equals in modern society. Coinciding with general Enlightenment, the Haskalah or Jewish Enlightenment began to articulate how Jews would relate to a rapidly changing Europe on their own terms. Haskalah’s ideas transformed Jewish identity and modern Judaism. The final religious war, known as the Thirty Year War, exacted a financial toll on most European powers. Several rulers relied heavily on Jewish merchants for credit and hard currency. These Hofjuden or Court Jews, played an integral part in financing states, moving goods and extending credit. Emperor Leopold I of Austria turned

Moses Mendelssohn, though not a maskil (follower of Haskalah) became the embodiment of Haskalah’s ideals. An observant and integrated Jew, Mendelsohn was considered one of the leading intellects of the Aufklärung or German Enlightenment; his counsel widely sought by both Jews and non-Jews alike. Within the Jewish community, Mendelsohn was revered for his constancy in Jewish observance. However, Mendelsohn’s ideas at times met both praise and consternation. Praise arose from Prussia for his writings on mathematics and German philosophy, conferring on him the status of “protected Jew.” Meanwhile, Swiss theologian Johann Lavater amazed at Mendelsohn 's erudition and rational