Shtadlan
Encyclopedia
A Shtadlan was an intercessor figure starting in Medieval Europe
, who represented interests of the local Jewish community, especially those of a town's ghetto
, and worked as a "lobbyist" negotiating for the safety and benefit of Jews with the authorities holding power. The process of Jewish intercession is known as shtadlanut.
Typically, a Jewish community, kehila
, governed its own internal affairs. The interactions with the outside society, such as tax
collection and enforcement of various restrictions and compulsions imposed on the community, were arranged by an internal governing board.
The Shtadlan emerged to prominence in the 17th century, with the rise of Absolutism
, as an intermediator between the Jewish community and the outside government in control. The position was appointed by the government, and could even be named as a royal official. Although he officially represented the Jewish community only, the Shtadlan became a tool of the government.
During the late 19th century, the use of the press and public opinion as leverage for shtadlanut activity, became the most important change in the tactics of Jewish intercession. This use was closely associated with the relief efforts for victims of pogroms in Russia and the early foundings of Political Zionism.
Traditionally, Shtadlanim were seen as great protectors of the communities they affiliated with, and received approbation from the governing Jewish religious authorities.
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, who represented interests of the local Jewish community, especially those of a town's ghetto
Ghetto
A ghetto is a section of a city predominantly occupied by a group who live there, especially because of social, economic, or legal issues.The term was originally used in Venice to describe the area where Jews were compelled to live. The term now refers to an overcrowded urban area often associated...
, and worked as a "lobbyist" negotiating for the safety and benefit of Jews with the authorities holding power. The process of Jewish intercession is known as shtadlanut.
Typically, a Jewish community, kehila
Kehila
Kehila is a village in Kihelkonna Parish, Saare County, on the western part of Saaremaa Island, Estonia....
, governed its own internal affairs. The interactions with the outside society, such as tax
Tax
To tax is to impose a financial charge or other levy upon a taxpayer by a state or the functional equivalent of a state such that failure to pay is punishable by law. Taxes are also imposed by many subnational entities...
collection and enforcement of various restrictions and compulsions imposed on the community, were arranged by an internal governing board.
The Shtadlan emerged to prominence in the 17th century, with the rise of Absolutism
Absolutism (European history)
Absolutism or The Age of Absolutism is a historiographical term used to describe a form of monarchical power that is unrestrained by all other institutions, such as churches, legislatures, or social elites...
, as an intermediator between the Jewish community and the outside government in control. The position was appointed by the government, and could even be named as a royal official. Although he officially represented the Jewish community only, the Shtadlan became a tool of the government.
During the late 19th century, the use of the press and public opinion as leverage for shtadlanut activity, became the most important change in the tactics of Jewish intercession. This use was closely associated with the relief efforts for victims of pogroms in Russia and the early foundings of Political Zionism.
Traditionally, Shtadlanim were seen as great protectors of the communities they affiliated with, and received approbation from the governing Jewish religious authorities.
See also
- Court JewCourt JewCourt Jew is a term, typically applied to the Early Modern period, for historical Jewish bankers who handled the finances of, or lent money to, European royalty and nobility....
- Isaac RülfIsaac RülfRabbi Dr. Isaac Rülf was a Jewish teacher, journalist and philosopher. He became widely known for his aid work and as a prominent early Zionist....
- Ottoman Millet systemMillet (Ottoman Empire)Millet is a term for the confessional communities in the Ottoman Empire. It refers to the separate legal courts pertaining to "personal law" under which communities were allowed to rule themselves under their own system...
- Rabbi Chaim Michael Dov WeissmandlChaim Michael Dov WeissmandlChaim Michael Dov Weissmandl was a rabbi and shtadlan...