Tradition and Renewal: Judaism on the Rhine

Migrating to locations along the Rhine River presents the Jews with several special economic opportunities. Nonetheless, it also involves major challenges, namely having to come up with new ways to maintain their existing religious traditions, find their bearings in their new environment and avoid conflict with the majority society. To adapt Jewish law to suit new, current needs and circumstances, the scholars in the ShUM communities decree taqqanot (ordinances and legislations) for issues for which no guidelines are yet in place. These laws regulate both living together within the Jewish communities and the relationship with the communities’ Christian neighbours.