Origins of Anti-Semitism

What is a Jew? Religion History Intermarriage= smaller gene pool

Ancient World In Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, Jews were viewed as “others” Monotheistic religion Marriage Food Appearance Social customs This caused them to be viewed suspiciously

…then Christianity begins Jesus of Nazareth was a Jewish man who claimed to be the son of God He was crucified by a Roman official at the so-called “demand” of a Jewish mob The sign above Him said “King of the Jews”

Christian Anti-Semitism 313 A.D.- Constantine becomes the first Christian Roman Emperor 350-400 A.D.- anti-Jewish philosophies begin to spread Jews viewed as “anti-Christian” Blamed for Jesus’ crucifixion Did not convert to Christianity Did not accept New Testament

Middle Ages The Church forbade Christians from loaning money, so Jews became bankers Created resentment among Christians who were in debt to them Jews blamed for the Black Plague Fewer Jews died b/c they lived in separate communities Blood Libels- Jews accused of ritual murder Accused of killing Christians so they could drink their blood during Passover

1215 A.D.- Fourth Lateran Council creates the Jew Badge Easily recognizable

Medieval Beliefs about Jews Smelled like sulfur Had horns and tails Conspiring with the devil to take over the world Relationship with anti-Christ and goats

Why do you think that dislike for a person or a group of people can grow into completely irrational and untrue beliefs?

Folder Activity- Ancient Propaganda? Each group will spend 3-4 minutes with each folder Write down your observations about the picture, connecting your notes to what you see in the picture if possible 2-3 complete sentences per picture

Pictures

Moses with Horns

Money lending

Knights killing Jews during the Crusades

Blood Libel

Blood libel Late 15th-century anti-Semitic painting from Frankfurt-Main, accusing Jews of ritual murder and bestiality, and associating with the devil.

Modern Pictures

Nazi Blood Libel