Vindiciae Judaeorum

work by Manasseh ben Israel

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July 14, 2026

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The Vindiciae Judaeorum was written by Manasseh ben Israel in 1656. It served as a defense of the Jewish people against contemporary accusations. Manasseh ben Israel was a prominent Hebraic scholar and rabbi in Amsterdam, known for his efforts to establish a Jewish community in England. He was also the founder of the first Hebrew printing press in Amsterdam and authored works such as Conciliador, which aimed to reconcile seemingly contradictory passages in the Bible. His advocacy contributed to the eventual acceptance of Jewish settlement in England.

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Manasseh ben Israel
While in England he wrote Vindiciae Judaeorum (1656; “Vindication of the Jews”) in answer to contemporary attacks on Jews, including William Prynne’s Short Demurrer. He returned to Holland in 1657, believing his mission to have been unsuccessful. His efforts, however, initiated the unofficial English acceptance of Jewish settlement and led…
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While in England he wrote Vindiciae Judaeorum (1656; “Vindication of the Jews”) in answer to contemporary attacks on Jews, including William Prynne’s Short Demurrer. He returned to Holland in 1657, believing his mission to have been unsuccessful. His efforts, however, initiated the unofficial English acceptance of Jewish settlement and led…
Read More