Grida Sopra gli Ebrei [“About the Hebrews”: Edict by Duchy of Modena]

For many years, the Jews of Modena enjoyed the protection of the House of Este, who ruled Modena as well as Ferrara. When in 1597, the Duchy of Ferrara became part of the Papal States, Modena remained under Este rule. The present edict, issued by Duke Alfonso, forbids Jews from employing in their homes Christian servants, male or female. About this time a similar edict was enforced in the Duchy of Mantua. The intent of these decrees was to strictly limit social intercourse between Jews and Christians. See S. Simonsohn, History of the Jews in the Duchy of Mantua (1977), pp. 127-130; EJ, Vol. XII, col. 201.