Deed issued by Rüdiger Huzmann (1073–1090), Bishop of Speyer, to the Jews of Speyer

In 1084, the Bishop of Speyer takes in Jewish refugees from Mainz and issues this deed that places them under his personal protection. This extraordinary privilege guarantees them a religious life according to their commandments, [autonomy){Autonomy Independence. In this context, recognition of the independent jurisdiction of the Jewish community in matters of religion and family law.} and free trade in goods and money exchange transactions throughout the city. Thanks to their extensive business, religious and cultural connections to Southern Europe and even as far as the Middle and Far East, the Jews form an economic and intellectual elite within the city’s population and significantly contribute to its prosperity.

Deed issued by Rüdiger Huzmann (1073–1090), Bishop of Speyer, to the Jews of Speyer