Expulsion from Spain

Definition

The Expulsion from Spain refers to the decree issued in 1492 that forced Jews to leave the Kingdom of Castile and Aragon or convert to Christianity. This significant event was a culmination of centuries of growing anti-Semitism and religious intolerance, marking a dramatic shift in the cultural and religious landscape of Spain. The expulsion had far-reaching consequences for Jewish communities, influencing their cultural practices, including manuscript illumination and the creation of Haggadahs, which became vital expressions of their identity in exile.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Alhambra Decree was signed on March 31, 1492, and it gave Jews four months to leave Spain or face conversion to Christianity.
2. Approximately 200,000 Jews are estimated to have left Spain due to the expulsion, many fleeing to Portugal, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire.
3. The expulsion led to a significant loss of intellectual and cultural contributions from the Jewish community, which had thrived in Spain for centuries.
4. Haggadahs became crucial for Jewish families in exile as they sought to preserve their traditions and cultural identity despite their displacement.
5. The legacy of the expulsion is still felt today in Sephardic Jewish communities around the world, who celebrate their heritage through customs, music, and cuisine.

Review Questions

• How did the Expulsion from Spain influence Jewish manuscript illumination practices following 1492?
  • The Expulsion from Spain significantly impacted Jewish manuscript illumination practices as it forced many Jewish artists and scribes into exile. In their new communities, they continued creating illuminated manuscripts like Haggadahs, which not only served liturgical purposes but also became a means of preserving their cultural heritage. The artistic styles often incorporated local influences while maintaining traditional Jewish themes, resulting in unique works that reflect the struggles and resilience of the Sephardic diaspora.
• Discuss the social and cultural consequences of the Expulsion from Spain on Sephardic Jews.
  • The Expulsion from Spain led to profound social and cultural consequences for Sephardic Jews. Many had to adapt to new environments and cultures while attempting to preserve their Jewish identity. This experience shaped their customs, language (often incorporating elements of Ladino), and religious practices. The Haggadahs created in exile reflected this blending of cultures while retaining core Jewish traditions, illustrating how Sephardic Jews navigated their identity amidst displacement.
• Evaluate how the Expulsion from Spain affected Jewish relations with Christians in both Spain and other regions post-expulsion.
  • The Expulsion from Spain exacerbated tensions between Jews and Christians, leading to heightened suspicion and hostility towards Conversos in Spain who had converted under pressure. In regions where expelled Jews settled, such as the Ottoman Empire or North Africa, relationships were more varied; some areas welcomed them while others were cautious due to fears of religious conflict. This complex dynamic influenced interactions within communities, shaping both Jewish self-perception and broader societal views towards Jews in their new homes.

Related terms

Alhambra Decree: The royal edict issued by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile, which ordered the expulsion of Jews from Spain.

Conversos: Jews who converted to Christianity, often under duress, during the period following the expulsion, facing suspicion and discrimination despite their new faith.

Sephardic Jews: Jews of Spanish or Portuguese descent who were expelled from Spain and established communities in other parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.