Jump to content

Shtadlan: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
m punctuation
Monkbot (talk | contribs)
m Task 20: replace {lang-??} templates with {langx|??} ‹See Tfd› (Replaced 3);
 
(35 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Intercessor for a local European Jewish community}}
A '''''shtadlan''''' ({{lang-he-n|שְׁתַדְּלָן}}, {{IPA-he|ʃtadˈlan|IPA}}; {{lang-yi|[[wikt:שתּדלן#Yiddish|שתּדלן]]}}, {{IPA-yi|ˈʃtadln̩|IPA}}) was an intercessor for a local [[History of the Jews in Europe|European Jewish]] community. They represented the interests of the community, especially those of a town's [[Jewish ghettos in Europe|ghetto]], and worked as a "lobbyist" negotiating with the authorities holding power for the safety and benefit of Jews. The process of Jewish intercession is known as ''shtadlanus'' ({{lang-yi|[[wikt:שתּדלנות#Yiddish|שתּדלנות]]}}).
A '''''shtadlan''''' ({{langx|he|שְׁתַדְּלָן}},<ref>[http://hebrew-academy.org.il/keyword/שְׁתַדְּלָן/ Hebrew Academy entry]. The related word שַׁדְלָן (shadlan) also exists but refers to a [http://hebrew-academy.org.il/keyword/שַׁדְלָן/ modern lobbyist].</ref> {{IPA|he|ʃtadˈlan|IPA}}; {{langx|yi|[[wikt:שתּדלן#Yiddish|שתּדלן]]}}, {{IPA-yi|ˈʃtadln̩|IPA}}) was an intercessor for a local [[History of the Jews in Europe|European Jewish]] community. They represented the interests of the community, especially those of a town's [[Jewish ghettos in Europe|ghetto]], and worked as a "[[lobbyist]]" negotiating with the authorities holding power for the safety and benefit of Jews. The process of Jewish intercession is known as ''shtadlanut'' ({{langx|yi|[[wikt:שתּדלנות#Yiddish|שתּדלנות]]}}).


Shtadlanim (plural of shtadlan) relied on many tactics to intercede on the behalf of the Jewish community. These included emotional appeals, such as begging, rational appeals such as trying to implement charters or decrees, and also gifts of money or other goods to gain favor. Elyakim Zelig from [[Yampil,_Vinnytsia_Oblast|Jampol]], reported specifically on the need to beg for the Pope’s favor during a mission to Rome in 1757, in which he tried to gain support for defending Jews against [[blood libel]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Shtadlan of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: Noble Advocate or Unbridled Opportunist?|last=Ury|first=Scott|publisher=Oxford|year=2002|isbn=|location=Portland, Oregon|pages=|quote=|via=}}</ref>
Shtadlanim (plural of shtadlan) relied on many tactics to intercede on the behalf of the Jewish community. These included emotional appeals, such as begging, rational appeals such as trying to implement charters or decrees, and also gifts of money or other goods to gain favor. Elyakim Zelig from [[Yampil, Vinnytsia Oblast|Jampol]], reported specifically on the need to beg for the Pope’s favor during a mission to Rome in 1757, in which he tried to gain support for defending Jews against [[blood libel]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Shtadlan of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: Noble Advocate or Unbridled Opportunist? Polin, ''vol. 15 (2002): 267-299'' |last=Ury|first=Scott|publisher=Oxford|year=2002|location=Portland, Oregon}}</ref>


Typically, a Jewish community (''[[Qahal#In Poland-Lithuania|qahal]]'') 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.
Typically, a Jewish community (''[[Qahal#In Poland-Lithuania|qahal]]'') 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.
Line 7: Line 8:
The ''shtadlan'' emerged to prominence in 17th century Europe, with the rise of [[Absolutism (European history)|absolutism]], as an intermediary between the resident Jewish community and the monarchical government in control of the region. 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.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}
The ''shtadlan'' emerged to prominence in 17th century Europe, with the rise of [[Absolutism (European history)|absolutism]], as an intermediary between the resident Jewish community and the monarchical government in control of the region. 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.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}


Shtadlan played a significant role in the Jewish community, especially in the [[Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth|Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth]]. One prominent shtadlan was Barukh ben David Yavan, born in the early 1700s. Yavan was instrumental in many secret missions between the king of Poland, Augustus III and Frederick II of Prussia, helping to end the [[War of the Austrian Succession]]. Yavan was also in contact with a papal nuncio in Warsaw allowing him to save many Talmuds after the Kamieniec disputation that led to most Talmuds being burned.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.yivoencyclopedia.org/article.aspx/Barukh_ben_David_Yavan|title=YIVO {{!}} Barukh ben David Yavan|website=www.yivoencyclopedia.org|access-date=2016-12-07}}</ref> Jacob Teitel, born in 1851 under czarist Russian rule, is another example of an influential shtadlan. After a pogrom began in the city of Saratov, he used his connection to the regional governor to stop anti-Jewish actions from continuing.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Horowitz|first=Jacob|year=2000|title=A Portrait of a Russian-Jewish Shtadlan: Jacob Teitel's Social Solution|url=|journal=Shofar: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies 18|volume=no. 3: 1|pages=}}</ref>
Shtadlan played a significant role in the Jewish community, especially in the [[Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth|Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth]]. One prominent shtadlan was Barukh ben David Yavan, born in the early 1700s. Yavan was instrumental in many secret missions between the king of Poland, [[Augustus III of Poland|Augustus III]] and [[Frederick the Great|Frederick II of Prussia]], helping to end the [[War of the Austrian Succession]]. Yavan was also in contact with a papal nuncio in Warsaw allowing him to save many [[Talmud]]s after the Kamieniec disputation that led to most Talmuds being burned.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.yivoencyclopedia.org/article.aspx/Barukh_ben_David_Yavan|title=YIVO {{!}} Barukh ben David Yavan|website=www.yivoencyclopedia.org|access-date=2016-12-07}}</ref> Jacob Teitel, born in 1851 under czarist Russian rule, is another example of an influential shtadlan. After a pogrom began in the city of [[Saratov]], he used his connection to the regional governor to stop the anti-Jewish actions.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Horowitz|first=Jacob|year=2000|title=A Portrait of a Russian-Jewish Shtadlan: Jacob Teitel's Social Solution|journal=Shofar|volume=18 |issue=3 |pages=1–12 |doi=10.1353/sho.2000.0061|jstor=42943061|s2cid=143868255}}</ref>


During the late 19th century, the use of the press and public opinion as leverage for ''shtadlanus'' activity became the most important change in the work of the shadlan, becoming closely associated with relief efforts for victims of [[pogroms]] in Russia as well as the early foundings of [[Political Zionism]].<ref>Francois Guesnet, [http://www.library.upenn.edu/exhibits/cajs/tradition/toc.html Jewish political culture between East and West: Isaak Ruelf and the Transformations of intercession (shtadlanus) in the 19th century.]</ref>
During the late 19th century, the use of the press and public opinion as leverage for ''shtadlanus'' activity became the most important change in the work of the shadlan, becoming closely associated with relief efforts for victims of [[pogroms]] in Russia as well as the early foundings of [[Political Zionism]].<ref>{{Cite book|first=François|last=Guesnet|url=http://www.library.upenn.edu/exhibits/cajs/tradition/toc.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023082528/http://www.library.upenn.edu/exhibits/cajs/tradition/toc.html|archive-date=23 October 2004|title=Exhibition: Tradition and Its Discontents - Jewish History and Culture in Eastern Europe|chapter=Jewish political culture between East and West: Isaak Ruelf and the Transformations of intercession (shtadlanus) in the 19th century|publisher=Penn Library|date=2002–2003}}</ref>


Traditionally, ''shtadlanim'' were seen as great protectors of Jewish communities, and received [[Wiktionary:approbation|approbation]] from the communities' governing Jewish religious authorities.<ref>See [[Tosafot Yom Tov]] on [[Pirkei Avos]] 2:3 where Rabbi [[Yom-Tov Lipmann Heller]] compares those who work on behalf of the community to intercede with the ruling power to the likes of [[Mordecai]] in the [[Book of Esther]] and to Rabbi [[Judah HaNasi]], codifier of the [[Mishna]].</ref>
Traditionally, ''shtadlanim'' were seen as great protectors of Jewish communities, and received [[Wiktionary:approbation|approbation]] from the communities' governing Jewish religious authorities.<ref>See [[Tosafot Yom Tov]] on [[Pirkei Avos]] 2:3 where Rabbi [[Yom-Tov Lipmann Heller]] compares those who work on behalf of the community to intercede with the ruling power to the likes of [[Mordecai]] in the [[Book of Esther]] and to Rabbi [[Judah HaNasi]], codifier of the [[Mishna]].</ref>
Line 24: Line 25:
* [[Schutzjude]]
* [[Schutzjude]]
* [[Chaim Michael Dov Weissmandl]]
* [[Chaim Michael Dov Weissmandl]]
* [[Esther]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


Line 32: Line 34:
[[Category:History of the Jews in Europe]]
[[Category:History of the Jews in Europe]]
[[Category:Yiddish words and phrases]]
[[Category:Yiddish words and phrases]]
[[Category:Jewish leadership roles]]

Latest revision as of 12:10, 31 October 2024

A shtadlan (Hebrew: שְׁתַדְּלָן,[1] IPA: [ʃtadˈlan]; Yiddish: שתּדלן, IPA: [ˈʃtadln̩]) was an intercessor for a local European Jewish community. They represented the interests of the community, especially those of a town's ghetto, and worked as a "lobbyist" negotiating with the authorities holding power for the safety and benefit of Jews. The process of Jewish intercession is known as shtadlanut (Yiddish: שתּדלנות).

Shtadlanim (plural of shtadlan) relied on many tactics to intercede on the behalf of the Jewish community. These included emotional appeals, such as begging, rational appeals such as trying to implement charters or decrees, and also gifts of money or other goods to gain favor. Elyakim Zelig from Jampol, reported specifically on the need to beg for the Pope’s favor during a mission to Rome in 1757, in which he tried to gain support for defending Jews against blood libel.[2]

Typically, a Jewish community (qahal) 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 17th century Europe, with the rise of absolutism, as an intermediary between the resident Jewish community and the monarchical government in control of the region. 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.[citation needed]

Shtadlan played a significant role in the Jewish community, especially in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. One prominent shtadlan was Barukh ben David Yavan, born in the early 1700s. Yavan was instrumental in many secret missions between the king of Poland, Augustus III and Frederick II of Prussia, helping to end the War of the Austrian Succession. Yavan was also in contact with a papal nuncio in Warsaw allowing him to save many Talmuds after the Kamieniec disputation that led to most Talmuds being burned.[3] Jacob Teitel, born in 1851 under czarist Russian rule, is another example of an influential shtadlan. After a pogrom began in the city of Saratov, he used his connection to the regional governor to stop the anti-Jewish actions.[4]

During the late 19th century, the use of the press and public opinion as leverage for shtadlanus activity became the most important change in the work of the shadlan, becoming closely associated with relief efforts for victims of pogroms in Russia as well as the early foundings of Political Zionism.[5]

Traditionally, shtadlanim were seen as great protectors of Jewish communities, and received approbation from the communities' governing Jewish religious authorities.[6]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Hebrew Academy entry. The related word שַׁדְלָן (shadlan) also exists but refers to a modern lobbyist.
  2. ^ Ury, Scott (2002). The Shtadlan of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: Noble Advocate or Unbridled Opportunist? Polin, vol. 15 (2002): 267-299. Portland, Oregon: Oxford.
  3. ^ "YIVO | Barukh ben David Yavan". www.yivoencyclopedia.org. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  4. ^ Horowitz, Jacob (2000). "A Portrait of a Russian-Jewish Shtadlan: Jacob Teitel's Social Solution". Shofar. 18 (3): 1–12. doi:10.1353/sho.2000.0061. JSTOR 42943061. S2CID 143868255.
  5. ^ Guesnet, François (2002–2003). "Jewish political culture between East and West: Isaak Ruelf and the Transformations of intercession (shtadlanus) in the 19th century". Exhibition: Tradition and Its Discontents - Jewish History and Culture in Eastern Europe. Penn Library. Archived from the original on 23 October 2004.
  6. ^ See Tosafot Yom Tov on Pirkei Avos 2:3 where Rabbi Yom-Tov Lipmann Heller compares those who work on behalf of the community to intercede with the ruling power to the likes of Mordecai in the Book of Esther and to Rabbi Judah HaNasi, codifier of the Mishna.