The Statute of Kalisz was a significant decree issued by Bolesław the Pious, the Duke of Greater Poland. It was part of a broader trend during the Middle Ages where various rulers sought to attract Jews to their territories, recognizing their potential for economic contribution and for enhancing trade networks. By granting Jews safety and personal liberties, along with the jurisdiction of battei din, or Jewish courts, this statute allowed for a degree of self-governance in both religious and civil matters. It marked a shift in the treatment of Jews in Poland, providing them with legal protection and social status that was markedly better than in many other European regions at the time.

Kalisz itself became a significant center for Jewish life, as the statute facilitated the establishment of communities that could thrive free from the pervasive discrimination and violence often faced by Jews in other lands. The decree specified rights related to property ownership, the ability to engage in trade, and the enforcement of personal safety, which were crucial for fostering an environment where Jewish culture, education, and religious practices could flourish.

The statute also served to formalize the relationship between Jews and the local authorities, creating a framework within which grievances could be addressed through laws that respected Jewish customs and traditions. This legal recognition elevated the position of Jews within Greater Poland's society and contributed to the broader mosaic of cultural and social life in medieval Poland.