The Jews of Corfu were distinguished by their urban character as well as their professional occupations, which were mainly focused on trade, manufacturing and various financial activities. The majority of Jewish inhabitants of Corfu were traders and artisans. They excelled as export brokers for olive oil and cereals as well in textiles. A unique agricultural product traded through Corfu was the citron fruit (etrogim), used in for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which were exported all over Europe. However, unfounded allegations that they were not kosher, coupled with competition from Palestine, contributed to the decline in their export.
Corfiot Jews also established small industries, like the Ferro umbrella factory and the L. Dente varnish factory. Of course, the traditional Jewish occupations of stevedore and silversmith were also common in Corfu. Jews were also successfully active in shipping and shipping insurance. These wealthy traders contributed, with their donations, to the upkeep of the community’s religious and educational institutions while also securing influential administrative positions. Corfu also represented a unique exception in that, contrary to other places where professional restrictions on the Jews existed, its Jews were allowed to practice medicine and the law. Medical training usually started with an apprenticeship to a local physician, before progressing to the University of Padua, from where 30 Jews graduated between 1617 and 1816. Some of them even served as surgeons in the Venetian army.
A number of Jews also served as lawyers. Twice, in 1637 and 1774, the Venetian authorities tried to prohibit Jews from practicing law, but both times the edicts were rescinded. Only during the brief period of British rule was such a prohibition applied: Jews were allowed to appear in court only as “sub-attorneys” (intervenienti).
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Handwritten receipt, in French, issued by the second lieutenant of the gunship “L’Étoile” to Jack Mazza, certifying the sale of supplies (postage stamps, thread and letter paper) to the crew on their passage from Corfu on 12 January 1898. JMG Collection
The Jewish Leoncini family and friends, on a car trip, Paleokastritsa, Corfu, ca. 1937. Indicative of the affluence enjoyed by many Jewish merchants and professionals in Corfu. JMG Collection
Envelope with letterhead in Greek and Italian of Nissim Markos Matathias, a textile trader, Corfu, 1928. JMG Collection
Broadside, issued by Judah Leib and Benjamin Beinush Salant (1838 - 1899), son of Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, Samuel Salant, 1876. Broadside warns the public from obtaining etrogim coming through the Greek island of Corfu, due to suspected horticultural graft and consequent lack of compliance with the kashrut. Instead etrogim grown by Salant in Eretz Israel are promoted as being beyond reproach. Printed by J. Brill, Mainz, Germany. JMG Collection.
The Corfu etrogim trade gradually faded away, due to the repeated defamatory campaigns of this kind and the Jews of the island sustained great financial losses. This lead in turn to increased emigration and was one of the many reasons of the eventual decline of the community.
Broadside, issued by Judah Leib and Benjamin Beinush Salant (1838 - 1899), son of Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, Samuel Salant, 1876. Broadside warns the public from obtaining etrogim coming through the Greek island of Corfu, due to suspected horticultural graft and consequent lack of compliance with the kashrut. Instead etrogim grown by Salant in Eretz Israel are promoted as being beyond reproach. Printed by J. Brill, Mainz, Germany. JMG Collection.
The Corfu etrogim trade gradually faded away, due to the repeated defamatory campaigns of this kind and the Jews of the island sustained great financial losses. This lead in turn to increased emigration and was one of the many reasons of the eventual decline of the community.
Degree of Isaac Leoncini from the Public School of Commerce of Corfu, 1925. JMG Collection
Spyros P. Gaoutsis Collection, Corfu
Spyros P. Gaoutsis Collection, Corfu
Spyros P. Gaoutsis Collection, Corfu
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