History of the Jews of Provence
|
through the Cavaillon synagogue
|
|
 For the Church, the keeping of a small group of Jews wretched and humble must testify to the fate of Israel, punished for having refused Christianity.
The repetition over the ages of restrictive measures is, however, an indication that they were, in reality, not implemented much.
The "Pope's Jews", as they were to be called, seemed to have had good relations with their fellow, Christian citizens. |
During the 18th century, the economic situation of the Jews improved. The Comtadins travelled extensively throughout all of Southern France, some settling permanently in Nîmes, Montpellier, etc...
Use of the French tongue spread.
Evidence of this new prosperity: the construction of the splendid synagogue in Cavaillon. And yet, daily life could scarcely reflect the enrichment of the Pope's Jews, who could not settle outside of the overpopulated "carrières", where houses of six or seven stories appeared to travellers arriving in Cavaillon as veritable skyscrapers. |
 |
 |
The French Revolution, with the incorporation of Avignon and the Comtat Venaissin into France, marks for the Jews a true liberation. Despite an opposition (hardly virulent, for that matter) by some, the Pope's Jews became French citizens. Within a few years, the carrières emptied. The Jews took an active part in revolutionary events, in particular in Nîmes, and spread to all the big cities of the South, and even to Paris.
Discover a part of the history of the Jews of Provence through the Cavaillon Synagogue. |
|
© Photo : José Nicolas
 |
History of the Jews of Provence |
Synagogue de Cavaillon
Rue Hébraïque - 52 place Castil Blaze
- 84300 Cavaillon
Phone : +33 (0)4 90 76 00
34 / Fax : +33 (0)4 90 71 47 06
Official website of the town of Cavaillon
: www.cavaillon.com
|
|
