Though you believe your ancestors were Jewish, unless they were “protected” because they were “Court Jews”, survival in Germany during the 1600s would have been difficult. Court Jews attained powerful positions of influence in European aristocracy. Whether they were bankers or money managers, consultants or representatives for trade or politics, they rose socially and received its rewards. Though not always permanent, Court Jews lived under noble protection and frequently received titles. Wealthy Jews used intricate networks to keep their sponsors well supplied with commodities and provided loans to Europe’s middle class.
Suellen Ocean is the author of Secret Genealogy – A How-to for Tracing Ancient Jewish Ancestry, Secret Genealogy II – Uncovering the Jewish Roots of Our Christian Ancestors and Secret Genealogy III – From Jewish Anglo-Saxon Tribes to New France Acadians. Available here:
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Secret Genealogy: https://www.createspace.com/4234160
Secret Genealogy II: https://www.createspace.com/4235650
Secret Genealogy III: https://www.createspace.com/4239009
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