In the fourth chapter of "The Jews of Spain: A History of the Sephardic Experience" titled "The Reconquista: Jews and the New Realities of Christian Spain," Jane S. Gerber examines how the Reconquista transformed the lives of Jewish communities in Spain. During this period, Jews faced a dual reality of opportunities and challenges. They received benefits such as autonomy, land, and tax exemptions, and played vital roles in commerce and industry, as well as in translating philosophical and scientific texts that promoted learning and multilingualism. However, they also suffered under ecclesiastical restrictions and tensions between religious and civil authorities. As the Reconquista progressed, royal protection for the Jews was ambiguous and often inadequate, leaving many vulnerable, especially during periods of political instability. Finally, the creation of the Inquisition in 1480 and the expulsion of the Jews in 1492 marked the end of an era of cultural coexistence, irrevocably transforming Spanish society and the position of Jews within it.

Bibliography:
Gerber, Jane S. The Jews of Spain: A History of the Sephardic Experience. Free Press, 1992.