This Day in Jewish History 1782: Habsburg Emperor Announces Tolerance for Jews

'Enlightened despot' Joseph II thought people should worship as they please – even the Jews, not that he liked them.

Jan 02, 2015 12:12 AM

On January 2, 1782, Habsburg Emperor Joseph II issued his Edict of Tolerance, which bestowed upon Jews permission to practice their faith freely in lower Austria, which included Vienna and environs. The edict...

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