This was primarily because of the social and religious governing by these guilds that refused to allow Jews to join, while at the same time, did not allow Jews to work independently in one specific field. These were a few Jewish guilds, but were only formed because of little rivalry of Gentile guilds in certain areas of industry. Jews were excluded from these guilds mainly because of trade and legislative restrictions, with regard to various trades6. These restrictions proved successful, with virtually every branch of trade closed to the Jews. The few still open trades included porters and stevedores7, as well as commerce. .
Now excluded from both the land and trade, what next for the Jew? While the extent of exclusion was rampant in northern Europe and lesser so in the south, a new opportunity became available. Though "money lending" was suppressed ( reaching its peak in the 12th century), by both government and the Church. Money lending was more or less the same concept as a loan, money lent to an individual, which gained interest at a daily rate. The prospect of tapping an otherwise "illegal" market seemed the only option for a Jew to dabble in. In the rapid evolution of medieval society that contained peasants, feudal lords and merchants, it seemed beneficial for these individuals( the latter two) that money be lent on some form of accord. While the Church condemned this, the state, looking for economic prosperity and diversity, encouraged it. Yet Jews often had recourse for loans to Christians, even to Christian houses of faith, at considerable interest (interest rates were quite high due to a high risk factor environment where total loss was probable). Overall, the Jews of the later Middle Ages because directly synonymous with money lending or loaning. The system at the same time, further increased anti-semitic attitudes toward the Jews, out of resentment for increased loan interest rates and jealously for the moderate successes they experienced.