Creator Bio
The Jewish Community of Damascus
The medieval Jewish community of Damascus, Syria, though subject to the usual heavy taxes levied by the caliphate, enjoyed religious and economic success under the Fātimids, who ruled from 969 through the late twelfth century. With strong connections to the Palestinian and Babylonian academies, Damascene Jews were actively involved in the administrative affairs and intellectual life of both institutions. In 1094, the Palestinian academy was reconstituted in Damascus after having abandoned its previous seat in Tyre.
Content by The Jewish Community of Damascus
Primary Source
Letter to the Jewish Community of Fustāt (I)
In this short 11th-century Hebrew declaration, intended be publicly displayed, the Jewish community of Damascus seeks to locate a husband who has abandoned his family.
Primary Source
Letter to the Jewish Community of Fustāt (II)
The increase of our iniquities caused the hand of the Arabs to strengthen its rule, until, growing bold, the tyrants of the city, its notables, its elders and the qadi there, called “the Nephew of Abu…