Fighting in National Armies 87
Through the Middle Ages we hear echoes of individual Jewish soldiers who served in various military units usually in the discussion of different matters and often directly in responsa. Meir of Rothenburg (1215-1293) stated that it was forbidden to enter a synagogue with swords, which were worn by Christian physicians decoratively as a sign of their status; yet Mahari Weil(died 1455) stated that those who do so will not go to paradise; other studies like the Rokeah permitted swords.”
Much later, a responsum of Meir of Lublin (1558—1616) dealt with an accidental shooting during musket practice as the Jews were learning to defend the community against the Tartar invasion.” These glimpses of individuals are picturesque and make interesting reading, but had no influence on Jewish life. In Prague such service was recognized, so Ferdinand I in 1523 enlisted Jews in the defense of Eisenstadt and Ferdinand II (1619—1637) praised the community for their help in defending Prague against the Swedish army. Later Charles IV rewarded the Jewish community of Prague with the famous flag placed in the Altneuschul . We should note that the privilege of bearing arms permanently was not granted anywhere.
The Jewish population was often taxed for the military adventures of the rulers. These imposts could be extraordinarily high, but were the only way to procure the right of settlement. We should also note that many of the wealthiest Jews of the Middle Ages made their fortunes through supplying the military forces of the rulers, at times even recruiting them, and always lending the funds for those wars. Such ventures were extremely risky and Christian bankers avoided them. The Jewish bankers depended on such income to survive and frequently lost their position along with their wealth, both when the ruler was successful in his military ambitions and when he failed or was slain.”* Among the best known of such Court Jews in a slightly later period were Samuel Oppenheimer (1635-1703) and Samson Wertheimer (1658-1724). This continued still later with individuals such as Michael Gratz who was a blockade runner during the American Revolution. However Jews were not personally involved in these military ventures.