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by Carmella on July 16th, 2006

Carmella

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Where does the myth that all Jews are rich/businessmen originate from?

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Answers. 9 helpful answers below.

  • by Glenn Blaylock on July 16th, 2006

    Glenn Blaylock

    Back during the middle ages, the Roman Catholic church made it a sin for any Christian to charge interest on loans made to other Christians. Therefore, Christians, in general were reluctant to loan money to each other. They certainly didn't do so as a business enterprise. On the other hand, during this same period, most Christian nations made it illegal for Jews to own land. Therefore they could not earn a living in agricultural. However, they could make money by charging interest on loans. So, during the middle ages, the "banking" industry as it then existed was primarily in the hands of the Jews. If someone want to borrow money they had to go to the Jews to get it. Thus certain jews were able to become quite wealthy in this way and the myth about all Jews being wealthy was born.

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  • by Mister Sister on March 23rd, 2007

    Mister Sister

    Glenn is absolutely right about where it originated. It persists however because of Antisemitism!

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  • by TheJoker on October 27th, 2009

    TheJoker

    It actually dates back to the early Middle ages in Europe. Jews, whilest being allowed to settle in European cities, were prevented from taking up what were seen as noble professions. Things where people work with their hands, the trades, Blacksmith, Carpentry etc. This only left a few professions open to them, law, banking, business, the stage, professions that were seen as less noble.

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  • by NiCkIzBacK on October 27th, 2009

    NiCkIzBacK

    I know a family of half Catholic half Jewish where both mother and father are top business people and they seem to be able to spend money easily and without too much effort. Interesting, maybe some Jewish men just try harder and that being a Jewish person doesnt really matter it matters how you work and how you do educationally. +4.

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  • by sm00z on October 27th, 2009

    sm00z

    A lot of that stereotyping is found in fictional writings about the Middle Ages. In Ivanhoe, Isaac is portrayed as a wandering Jew with seemingly unlimited financial resources.

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  • by strange1 still in pb on October 27th, 2009

    strange1 still in pb

    they are a close nit community and help each other in all ways especially financially and are well versed in business acumen. i think this tends to spawn a lot of envy, as with a lot of other similar cultures.

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  • by blackcat96 on March 2nd, 2010

    blackcat96

    I don't know but I've never met a rich jew. I'm not trying to sound mean, it's the truth, I've never met a jewish person who was rich.

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  • by Joelle on April 6th, 2010

    Joelle

    because we work hard, lol

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  • by Twisted Taco on February 1st, 2010

    Twisted Taco

    Wall Street

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