Was William Shakespeare a Jew? Debunking the Myths Surrounding His Heritage

The question of whether William Shakespeare was a Jew or if his real name was Wolf Lieb Shekelstein has been a subject of debate and study among scholars and enthusiasts. While some theories propose that Shakespeare had a connection to Jewish heritage, evidence suggests that Shakespeare’s background and the historical context in which he lived makes such claims baseless. Let’s explore the evidence behind these myths and the true nature of Shakespeare’s heritage.

No Evidence to Support the Jews and Wolf Lieb Shekelstein Theory

It is widely accepted that William Shakespeare was not a Jew, and the idea that his real name was Wolf Lieb Shekelstein is nothing more than a myth. Historical records and documents, including the "Langrake Proof" from 1572, which is stored in the Royal British Archives, clearly show that Shakespeare’s father, John Shakespeare, was not a Jew. The document states that William Shakespeare’s father was indeed a Catholic, thereby dismissing any claims that his family had Jewish roots.

Shakespeare’s Religious Background

While the origin of Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden, remains somewhat uncertain, there is no substantial evidence to suggest that she was Jewish. In fact, the religious context of the time makes such claims highly unlikely. The book Was Shakespeare a Jew provides a detailed argument supported by the "Langrake Proof," confirming that William Shakespeare himself was not Jewish. For example, his portrayal of Judaism in plays like The Merchant of Venice suggests that he had limited knowledge and understanding of Jewish life and customs.

Theories and Speculations

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, some theories propose that Shakespeare might have been a Crypto-Jew, or a Hidden Jew. These theories often cite his extensive knowledge of Judaism in his works and the potential influence of Jewish influences on his writings. While these theories present interesting hypotheses, the historical context and available evidence do not support such claims.

The book Was Shakespeare a Jew: Uncovering the Marrano Influence in His Writings and His Life by Mr. Ghislain Muller explores these theories in detail. However, even with this in-depth analysis, the primary historical evidence remains firmly in favor of Shakespeare having English and possibly Catholic roots.

Historical Context of Jews in England

It is crucial to understand the historical context of Jews in England when evaluating these claims. Jews were expelled from England in 1290 and were not allowed to legally return until 1657, which is 41 years after Shakespeare’s death. Given the limited number of Jews in England during Shakespeare’s lifetime, the probability of him being Jewish is extremely low. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of Jewish people who lived in England at the time were merchants and city dwellers, while Shakespeare’s family lived as farmers in rural areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the claims that William Shakespeare was a Jew or his real name was Wolf Lieb Shekelstein are unfounded. Historical records and documents, such as the "Langrake Proof," provide clear evidence that Shakespeare’s father was a Catholic, not a Jew. The religious and social context of the time further supports the conclusion that Shakespeare was not Jewish. While theories about Shakespeare being a Crypto-Jew present intriguing possibilities, the available evidence does not support such claims. For a comprehensive understanding of this topic, interested individuals should consult academic sources and library materials.

Note: While the book Was Shakespeare a Jew is impossibly expensive, one can borrow it from any University library for free. Do your homework and check it out.