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The LRB Podcast

What was the Venetian ghetto?

Jun 12, 2024
Historian Erin Maglaque discusses the unique features of the Venetian Ghetto, Jewish life in Venice, and the balance of toleration and discrimination. The conversation explores the impact of religious intolerance, the decline of Venice's power, and the historical characters of the ghetto. Historical parallels are drawn to current events, emphasizing the cyclical nature of Jewish history.
40:48

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Venetian Ghetto housed diverse Jewish communities with unique traditions and governance structures.
  • Despite restrictions, the ghetto facilitated Jewish integration into Venetian society, showing a gradual shift towards tolerance.

Deep dives

Foundation of the Venetian Ghetto in 1516

The Venetian Ghetto was established in 1516 by Senate decree following the displacement of Jewish communities. Originally inhabited mainly by German descendants and Italian Jews, the ghetto retained distinct customs and traditions for each community within its confines. Various Jewish communities settled there, engaging in scholarly pursuits, charitable activities, and creating a self-sufficient society with unique religious practices.

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