The Jews of Poland Between Two World Wars / Edition 1

by Yisrael Gutman

Overview

Jews have long seen the interwar years as a “golden age” for Polish Jewry and hold it in special reverence because of the community’s heroic struggle against the encroaching darkness of antisemitism. During the years 1918 to 1939, Polish Jews constituted the largest Jewish community in noncommunist Europe and were the leading cultural and political force in the Jewish Diaspora. In this volume distinguished American, West European, Israeli, and Polish scholars combine forces to explore the politics, antisemitism, economic and social life, religious patterns, and cultural creativity of a period whose relevance is heightened because of current changes under way in Eastern Europe.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780874515558
Publisher:	Brandeis University Press
Publication date:	07/01/1991
Series:	The Tauber Institute Series for the Study of European Jewry
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	544
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.80(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

JEHUDA REINHARZ is Richard Koret Professor of Modern Jewish History and President of Brandeis University. He is author, editor, or coeditor of numerous books, including Zionism and Religion (1998), Essential Papers on Zionism (1995), Chaim Weizmann: The Making of a Statesman (1993), and Israel in the Middle East (1984). BEN HALPERN (1912 - 90) was Professor Emeritus of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis University. Among his studies of the modern Jewish experience are A Clash of Heroes (1987) and The Idea of the Jewish State (1969).

Editorial Reviews

“Virtually all the articles shed light on problems, phenomena, or events that have until now not received in-depth treatment. Moreover, the articles are based on primary sources that were heretofore unknown or present a reevaluation of data culled from a wide range of sources . . . This is a publication of the greatest importance for anyone interested in the history of the Jews of Poland.”—Zion

From the Publisher

An international group of scholars presents 27 essays about the dynamic pre-Holocaust period when, despite anti-Semitism, the Yiddish culture and language flourished. All aspects of Jewish life are considered: political, economic, social, religious, literary and cultural. (Aug.)no PW review

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Jewish life in interwar Poland was one of great upheaval and dynamism. It was a time of flowering for the Yiddish language and culture. Political movements such as Zionism and Bundism were gaining strength. Religious efforts were manifold. Much of this was destroyed by the Holocaust. In the 27 essays presented here by an international group of scholars this period is examined painstakingly and minutely. All aspects of Jewish life are considered: political, economic, social, religious, literary, and cultural. Anti-Semitism--a rampant force in interwar Poland--is also discussed. The scholarship evident in this book will be appreciated by academics and knowledgeable lay readers. Recommended for libraries with strong Judaica and European holdings.--Paul Kaplan, Highland Park P.L., Ill.

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