JEWISH COMMUNITIES IN NORTH AFRICA

In this chapter, the authors endeavor to distinguish between legend and facts as far as late antique North African Jewish communities are concerned. They start with mapping Jewish presence in the region, discuss the language/s used by North African Jews, and examine their relationship with the local Berbers. The chapter goes on to discuss North African Jews’ connections to the Land of Israel, their local communitarian organization and daily life, their social and economic status, and their interaction with non-Jews, especially on the basis of imperial legislation concerning Jews and Judaism. The authors address the changes caused by the rise of Christianity and during the Vandal and Byzantine periods.