Communication in Rabenu Gershom's Ordinances

This article proposes a common denominator among the various medieval ordinances attributed to Rabbi Gershom of Mainz (960-1028?). This organizing principle is the regulation--international public law style--of communications throughout the Jewish Diaspora. Setting clear rules with regard to travel, hosting, and supra-local social relations could encourage and promote contact between and across communities in the Jewish Diaspora.