Settlement Policy and Competition in Towns: The Case of Anschel of Münzenberg

This article examines the complexity of Jewish life in rural regions in Germany during the late Middle Ages and underscores the importance of investigating micro-histories for a more comprehensive understanding of Jewish identity and experiences in these settings. Introducing the common practice of territorial lords to limit the number of Jewish households residing in the small towns of their domain, this article argues against the portrayal of Jews as passive recipients of such settlement policies. It highlights their active participation in selecting incoming community members, especially in cases in which Jews aimed to prevent the immigration of co-religionists. Focusing on the case study of Münzenberg, where the Jew Anschel solicited the expulsion of most of the local community, three main incentives of Jewish political and legal interventions come to light: tax distribution, economic competition and personal relationships and conflicts. The article explores these incentives through various examples of Jewish townspeople who skilfully navigated negotiations, leveraging the interests and concerns of territorial lords and various courts.