The Learned Jews of Ashkenaz

When Christianity was demonstrating its pride in the three imperial cathedrals of Speyer, Mainz and Worms, the Jews created their own pre-eminent communities in these particular cities. These communities extended intellectually and culturally far beyond their immediate geographical setting. They used their power and authority to enforce the rulings of the Talmud, and also their own ordinances and regulations, becoming an impressive force that gave unity, solidarity, dignity and power to the Jews of medieval Germany.