Shtadlan

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A Shtadlan was an intercessor figure who represented interests of the local Jewish community (such as those of a town's ghetto) in Medieval Europe, and worked as a "lobbyist" negotiating for the safety of Jews with the authorities holding power.

The Shtadlan emerged in the 17th century and with the rise of Absolutism as an intermediator between the Jewish community and the outside government. He was appointed by the government, and could even be named as a royal official. The Shtadlan became a tool of the government even though he officially represented the Jewish community.

Typically, a Jewish community (kehila) governed its own internal affairs. The interactions with the outside society, such as tax collection and enforcement of various restrictions and compulsions imposed on the community, were arranged by an internal governing board (kahal).

Similar internal autonomy was revived with the establishment of Judenräte ("Jewish councils") in the ghettos of Nazi-occupied European countries.

[edit] See also

• Court Jew
• Ottoman Millet system