Josce of London
Encyclopedia
Josce of London was an English Jew
and the Presbyter Judaeorum
, or Chief Rabbi
, of the Jews of England from 1217 to 1237.
Josce succeeded Jacob of London
as Chief Rabbi on his death in 1217. This would imply that Josce was very wealthy, as only the wealthiest of the Jews obtained this position. In 1237 Josce was succeeded by Aaron of York
, the Jewish financier and probable son of Josce of York
. He may have been that Josce of London who was the founder of the earliest college of the University of Paris
in 1180.
History of the Jews in England
The history of the Jews in England goes back to the reign of William I. The first written record of Jewish settlement in England dates from 1070, although Jews may have lived there since Roman times...
and the Presbyter Judaeorum
Presbyter Judaeorum
The Presbyter Judaeorum or Presbyter Judæorum was the chief official of the Jews of England prior to the Edict of Expulsion. The office appears to have been for life, though in two or three instances the incumbent either resigned or was dismissed. Prynne, in his "Demurrer" The Presbyter Judaeorum...
, or Chief Rabbi
Chief Rabbi
Chief Rabbi is a title given in several countries to the recognized religious leader of that country's Jewish community, or to a rabbinic leader appointed by the local secular authorities...
, of the Jews of England from 1217 to 1237.
Josce succeeded Jacob of London
Jacob of London
Jacob of London was the first known Presbyter Judaeorum of the Jews of England; appointed to that position by King John in 1199, who also gave him a safe-conduct. He appears to have died in 1217, when Josce of London is mentioned as his successor...
as Chief Rabbi on his death in 1217. This would imply that Josce was very wealthy, as only the wealthiest of the Jews obtained this position. In 1237 Josce was succeeded by Aaron of York
Aaron of York
Aaron of York or Aaron fil Josce was a Jewish financier and chief rabbi of England. He was born in York before 1190 and died after 1253. He was probably the son of Josce of York, the leading figure in the York massacre of 1190.-Chief Rabbi:...
, the Jewish financier and probable son of Josce of York
Josce of York
Josce of York was the leader of the Jewish community in York, England, and the leading figure in the York massacre of 1190. He committed suicide along with nearly the entire Jewish community, rather than face death or conversion at the hands of an angry mob.Josce is mentioned in the earliest...
. He may have been that Josce of London who was the founder of the earliest college of the University of Paris
University of Paris
The University of Paris was a university located in Paris, France and one of the earliest to be established in Europe. It was founded in the mid 12th century, and officially recognized as a university probably between 1160 and 1250...
in 1180.