Jewish Pilgrim Isaac ben Joseph ibn Chelo Notes The Jewish Community in Jerusalem
In his book: “The Roads from Jerusalem", written in 1334 CE, Isaac ben Joseph ibn Chelo gives an extensive description of the Jewish Community in the Land of Israel during the 14th Century. His travels are divided into seven routes, with Jerusalem at their center, reaching Jaffa, Shechem, Akko, Tiberias, Tsfat, and Dan.
He mentions a "numerous community" in Jerusalem with occupations such as dyers, tailors, shoemakers, and others devoted to science, including medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. He also notes a great number of Torah scholars studying day and night, maintained by the "coffers of the community". Although not allowed on Temple Mount, he mentions visiting the Western Wall, where Jews come to pray daily.
He also mentions the Tombs of the Patriarchs, David's father, Ishai (Jesse), and the prophet Nathan in Hebron.
Overview
Ibn Chelo mentions a "numerous community" in Jerusalem as well as communities in Hebron, Jaffa, Shechem, Akko, Tiberias, Tsfat, and Dan.
“The Jewish community in Jerusalem is quite numerous… Among the different members of the holy congregation at Jerusalem are many who are engaged in handicrafts such as dyers, tailors, shoemakers, etc. Others carry on a rich commerce in all sorts of things, and have fine shops. Some are devoted to science, as medicine, astronomy and mathematics. But the greater number of their learned men are working day and night at the study of the Holy Law [the Torah and Talmud] and of the true wisdom, which is the kabbalah [mystic interpretation of the biblical texts].”
…one of seven wonders of the Holy City the Western Wall which stands before the Temple… The Jews resort thither to say their prayers.”
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