Renaissance

Though scholars generally date the beginning of the Italian Renaissance to the 14th century, Jewish participation in this vibrant, awakening culture began in the 15th century and lasted until ca. 1600 (Jewish life in Italy continued after that time). Jews participated widely in Renaissance culture, finding themselves influenced by its many artistic and literary riches. 

The decoration of Hebrew manuscripts produced during the Renaissance followed the artistic innovations of Christian artists; indeed, Christians sometimes even served as artists for such manuscripts. Hebrew scribes imitated the style of new, “humanistic” letters used by Christian scribes writing Latin, creating beautiful letters that were much easier to write and read. And Hebrew printing followed the lead of Christian printing, offering Hebrew translations of various classical works, thus expanding the base of Jewish knowledge. 

Wealthy Jews in Renaissance Italy even copied their noble Christian neighbors by “ennobling” themselves: creating “Coats of Arms” to represent their families and their nobility. Their dress, adornment, and styles were little different from their Christian neighbors, making such Jews genuine “citizens” of Renaissance Italy.