Beyond the Elite is a multifaceted research project that seeks to explore what daily life was like for the Jews of northern France and Germany (Ashkenaz) from 1100 to 1350.

Beyond the Elite broadens its gaze, looking past the upper echelons of Jewish society to understand and describe the textures and constructs that made up the lives of the “ordinary” members of these communities.

The Beyond the Elite research team is located in the Rabin Building at Hebrew University's Mount Scopus Campus and works together on Mondays and Wednesdays, holding internal seminars and discussions. We also host conferences and workshops that are open to the academic and general public.