What commercial practice did the Jews undertake in medieval Europe?

In medieval Europe, Jews often engaged in various commercial practices, particularly in money lending and trade. Due to restrictions on land ownership and certain professions, many Jewish communities became prominent as moneylenders, which was one of the few economic activities available to them. They also participated in long-distance trade, dealing in goods such as textiles, spices, and precious metals, leveraging their connections across different regions. This commercial role often placed Jews in a vital position within the economy, despite also making them targets of resentment and persecution.