Judenordnung [permitting wealthy Jews to reside in Vienna].

(VIENNA).

5th May

Vienna

1764

Testament to a Unique Turning Point in European-Jewish History. This Judenordnung (Jewish Ordinance) issued by Maria Theresa encapsulates the contradictory directions Europe was pulled during the popularization of Enlightenment ideals: On the one hand, wishing to see their country succeed economically, and on the other hand, committed to a medieval aversion to Jews. Thus, the 45 articles of the Ordinances here, attempt to have it both ways: Granting wealthy Jews the privilege of settling in the capital city on condition they invest considerable resources in it, while at the same time enforcing humiliating laws such as mandatory beards for men (under penalty of a fine or ‘bodily harm’) and unheard of benefits for their servants. Eventually this approach would give way to that of the Enlightened Absolutists, most notably Maria Theresa’s successor, Joseph II, who issued the famed Edict of Tolerance in 1782. This new approach sought to offer (almost) all the benefits of equality to Jews, as long as they became ‘productive subjects.’ For more on Maria Theresa’s attitude towards Jews, see M. Saperstein, In Praise of an Anti-Jewish Empress, in: Shofar 6:1 (1987) pp. 20-5; as well as: https://www.habsburger.net/en/chapter/dark-side-maria-theresa.