the Portuguese Jews of Hamburg: History a Merchant Community in Seventeenth Century: 77

The book investigates the social and religious history of the Portuguese-Jewish community of Hamburg during what is arguably the most important period of its history - the second half of the seventeenth century. The political and economic rise of this small but influential community of New Christian bankers and merchants is analysed against the backdrop of its institutional dynamics, in an overall perspective never before conceived. The political, religious, economic, legal, charitable and disciplinary history of the community is thus explored through the analysis of the richly detailed protocol books, written between 1652 and 1682. This is the intimate and fascinating journey of their everyday lives, hopes and challenges, as brought to us by their leaders.