A long Jewish History

The Jewish presence in Provence, including the region known as the Comtat Venaissin, has a long and storied history dating back over a millennium.
During the early Middle Ages, Jews settled in various parts of Provence, contributing to the region's cultural and economic prosperity. They engaged in commerce, medicine, finance, and other professions, establishing thriving communities in cities like Marseille, Avignon, and Arles.
In the 13th century, the Jewish population faced persecution and expulsion during the Albigensian Crusade and subsequent anti-Semitic policies enacted by the French Crown. However, Jewish communities persisted, albeit in smaller numbers, throughout the following centuries.
One significant period in the history of Jewish presence in Provence is the Avignon Papacy (1309-1377). During this time, several popes resided in Avignon, bringing with them a retinue that included Jewish advisors, physicians, and financiers. While Jews faced some restrictions, they were relatively protected under papal rule compared to other parts of Europe.
In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Jewish community in the Comtat Venaissin, a territory under the direct control of the Pope, flourished. Avignon served as a hub for Jewish intellectual and cultural activity, with notable figures such as Kalonymus ben Kalonymus, a prominent Jewish scholar, residing in the city.
However, the situation changed with the arrival of the Black Death in the mid-14th century, which sparked accusations of Jewish poisoning of wells and led to widespread persecution and expulsion of Jews from many parts of Europe, including Provence.
In the 15th century, following the reconquest of the Comtat Venaissin by the French Crown, Jews faced increasing pressure and were subjected to discriminatory laws and policies. Expulsions and forced conversions became more common, culminating in the expulsion of Jews from Avignon in 1476.
Despite periods of hardship and persecution, Jewish communities continued to exist in Provence, albeit in smaller numbers and under often precarious conditions. The legacy of Jewish presence in the region is preserved in synagogues, cemeteries, and cultural institutions, serving as a testament to their enduring resilience and contributions to the rich tapestry of Provencal history and culture.