In 1783, Moses Mendelssohn published 'Jerusalem,' a groundbreaking work advocating for the separation of church and state and promoting religious tolerance. Mendelssohn's arguments highlighted the compatibility of Judaism with Enlightenment rationalism, challenging prevailing prejudices against Jews in Europe. His ideas contributed to the broader discourse on religious freedom and civil rights, influencing both Jewish thought and the Enlightenment movement.

Moses Mendelssohn's 'Jerusalem' initiated the Haskalah, encouraging Jewish writers to embrace secular forms and modern themes. This movement significantly impacted Jewish poetry, fostering a blend of tradition and contemporary expression that resonated in the works of later poets.