Geoffrey Cantor
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276684
- eISBN:
- 9780191603389
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276684.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This study examines how two religious minorities — the Quaker and Anglo-Jewish communities — engaged with the sciences. It argues that for both Quakers and Jews, science offered educational and ...
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This study examines how two religious minorities — the Quaker and Anglo-Jewish communities — engaged with the sciences. It argues that for both Quakers and Jews, science offered educational and career opportunities and ways of participating in the wider society. Members of both communities pursued their own scientific interests, with Quakers being attracted principally to the observational sciences. Drawing on a wealth of documentary material, this book charts the involvement of Quakers and Jews in many different aspects of science: scientific research, science education, science-related careers, and scientific institutions ranging from the Royal Society to the Great Exhibition. Particularly instructive are the responses of both communities to the challenge of modernity posed principally by Darwin’s theory of evolution. It is shown that both communities were generally pro-evolution, and looked askance at those dogmatic Christians who opposed Darwin’s theory. During the closing years of the nineteenth century, progressives in both communities deployed science, especially the theory of evolution, in their arguments against traditionalists within their own ranks.Less
This study examines how two religious minorities — the Quaker and Anglo-Jewish communities — engaged with the sciences. It argues that for both Quakers and Jews, science offered educational and career opportunities and ways of participating in the wider society. Members of both communities pursued their own scientific interests, with Quakers being attracted principally to the observational sciences. Drawing on a wealth of documentary material, this book charts the involvement of Quakers and Jews in many different aspects of science: scientific research, science education, science-related careers, and scientific institutions ranging from the Royal Society to the Great Exhibition. Particularly instructive are the responses of both communities to the challenge of modernity posed principally by Darwin’s theory of evolution. It is shown that both communities were generally pro-evolution, and looked askance at those dogmatic Christians who opposed Darwin’s theory. During the closing years of the nineteenth century, progressives in both communities deployed science, especially the theory of evolution, in their arguments against traditionalists within their own ranks.
Geoffrey Cantor
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276684
- eISBN:
- 9780191603389
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276684.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
A number of historiographical problems are addressed concerning ‘Science and Religion’ to provide a grounding for present study. This study focuses on two religious communities — the Quakers and ...
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A number of historiographical problems are addressed concerning ‘Science and Religion’ to provide a grounding for present study. This study focuses on two religious communities — the Quakers and Anglo-Jewry — both of which stood outside the Established Church, with its close alliance with state power. It aims to ascertain how these two religious communities responded to various aspects of science, from their foundation in the mid-17th century to the end of the 19th century. Having framed this leading question, the scope of the present study is specified.Less
A number of historiographical problems are addressed concerning ‘Science and Religion’ to provide a grounding for present study. This study focuses on two religious communities — the Quakers and Anglo-Jewry — both of which stood outside the Established Church, with its close alliance with state power. It aims to ascertain how these two religious communities responded to various aspects of science, from their foundation in the mid-17th century to the end of the 19th century. Having framed this leading question, the scope of the present study is specified.
Geoffrey Cantor
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276684
- eISBN:
- 9780191603389
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276684.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter provides a brief outline of the histories of the Quaker and Anglo-Jewish communities, from the mid-17th century to the end of the 19th century. The development of Quakerism is charted ...
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This chapter provides a brief outline of the histories of the Quaker and Anglo-Jewish communities, from the mid-17th century to the end of the 19th century. The development of Quakerism is charted from its radical roots, through the ‘quietism’ of the 18th century, to the evangelicalism that dominated the 19th century. In discussing Anglo-Jewry, the inter-related themes of assimilation, toleration, and discrimination are explored, with particular emphasis on the early-Victorian perception that British Jews had not contributed adequately to literature, music, and science.Less
This chapter provides a brief outline of the histories of the Quaker and Anglo-Jewish communities, from the mid-17th century to the end of the 19th century. The development of Quakerism is charted from its radical roots, through the ‘quietism’ of the 18th century, to the evangelicalism that dominated the 19th century. In discussing Anglo-Jewry, the inter-related themes of assimilation, toleration, and discrimination are explored, with particular emphasis on the early-Victorian perception that British Jews had not contributed adequately to literature, music, and science.
Geoffrey Cantor
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276684
- eISBN:
- 9780191603389
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276684.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter opens with a discussion on some of the contexts in which science was deployed intersected with Jewish observance during the 19th century, including calendar-making, the use of electric ...
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This chapter opens with a discussion on some of the contexts in which science was deployed intersected with Jewish observance during the 19th century, including calendar-making, the use of electric light on the Sabbath, and the possibility of chemical tests for non-kosher additives to food. During the early 19th century, some Jewish writers followed Christian authors in trying to ascertain the natural philosophy hidden in the Torah text, but this project was largely abandoned by mid-century. In contrast to Quakers, Anglo-Jewry made little use of design arguments, these being directed primarily to children and, on occasions, to working men. Jewish writers on science appear to have been more willing to entertain speculative hypotheses than contemporary Quakers.Less
This chapter opens with a discussion on some of the contexts in which science was deployed intersected with Jewish observance during the 19th century, including calendar-making, the use of electric light on the Sabbath, and the possibility of chemical tests for non-kosher additives to food. During the early 19th century, some Jewish writers followed Christian authors in trying to ascertain the natural philosophy hidden in the Torah text, but this project was largely abandoned by mid-century. In contrast to Quakers, Anglo-Jewry made little use of design arguments, these being directed primarily to children and, on occasions, to working men. Jewish writers on science appear to have been more willing to entertain speculative hypotheses than contemporary Quakers.
Geoffrey Cantor
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276684
- eISBN:
- 9780191603389
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276684.003.0009
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
Drawing mainly on the Anglo-Jewish periodical press, it appears that Jewish writers were generally supportive of Darwin’s theory of evolution. Having been chastised on many occassions as ...
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Drawing mainly on the Anglo-Jewish periodical press, it appears that Jewish writers were generally supportive of Darwin’s theory of evolution. Having been chastised on many occassions as anti-intellectual, Jews could portray themselves as traditionally siding with science and rationality at a time when many Christians strenuously opposed evolution. Yet Alfred Henriques was alone in perceiving that Darwin’s theory was as damaging to traditional Judaism as it was to mainstream Christianity. Following Henriques, Claude Goldsmid Montefiore and others pressed for the development of a modern form of Judaism — what became Liberal Judaism — that could encompass an evolutionary account of the physical world. Among the scientific community, Raphael Meldola — who looked to Darwin as his mentor — was the leading Jewish evolutionist.Less
Drawing mainly on the Anglo-Jewish periodical press, it appears that Jewish writers were generally supportive of Darwin’s theory of evolution. Having been chastised on many occassions as anti-intellectual, Jews could portray themselves as traditionally siding with science and rationality at a time when many Christians strenuously opposed evolution. Yet Alfred Henriques was alone in perceiving that Darwin’s theory was as damaging to traditional Judaism as it was to mainstream Christianity. Following Henriques, Claude Goldsmid Montefiore and others pressed for the development of a modern form of Judaism — what became Liberal Judaism — that could encompass an evolutionary account of the physical world. Among the scientific community, Raphael Meldola — who looked to Darwin as his mentor — was the leading Jewish evolutionist.
Geoffrey Cantor
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276684
- eISBN:
- 9780191603389
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276684.003.0010
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
The scientific practices and attitudes to science of the Quaker and Jewish communities are compared and contrasted. Quakers tended to be more involved in science — especially the observational ...
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The scientific practices and attitudes to science of the Quaker and Jewish communities are compared and contrasted. Quakers tended to be more involved in science — especially the observational sciences like botany — but they were somewhat reserved when it came to scientific theorizing. In contrast, Jews, although generally less involved in science, were philosophically more adventurous. Two important conclusions from this study relating to the late Victorian period are: first, in both communities, modernizers drew on contemporary science — including the theory of evolution — in opposing traditionalists; second (although for different reasons), Quakers and Jews were generally sympathetic to Darwin’s theory of evolution.Less
The scientific practices and attitudes to science of the Quaker and Jewish communities are compared and contrasted. Quakers tended to be more involved in science — especially the observational sciences like botany — but they were somewhat reserved when it came to scientific theorizing. In contrast, Jews, although generally less involved in science, were philosophically more adventurous. Two important conclusions from this study relating to the late Victorian period are: first, in both communities, modernizers drew on contemporary science — including the theory of evolution — in opposing traditionalists; second (although for different reasons), Quakers and Jews were generally sympathetic to Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Michael Clark
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199562343
- eISBN:
- 9780191721441
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199562343.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
Lionel de Rothschild's hard-fought entry into Parliament in 1858 marked the emancipation of Jews in Britain — the symbolic conclusion of Jews' campaign for equal rights and their inclusion as ...
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Lionel de Rothschild's hard-fought entry into Parliament in 1858 marked the emancipation of Jews in Britain — the symbolic conclusion of Jews' campaign for equal rights and their inclusion as citizens after centuries of discrimination. With this event, Jewish life entered a new phase: the post-emancipation era. This book explores the development of the Jewish community and its identity in Britain during this formative stage. Emancipation was ambiguous. British acceptance was not neutral but carried expectations, as well as opportunities. This book highlights how integrating into British society required changes to traditional Jewish identity, as it also widened conceptions of Britishness. Many Jews, it suggests, willingly embraced their environment and fashioned a unique Jewish existence: mixing in all levels of society; experiencing economic success; and organizing and translating its faith along Anglican grounds. But, unlike many other European Jewish experiences, Anglo-Jews stayed loyal to their faith. Conversion and outmarriage remained rare, and connections were maintained with foreign kin. The community was even willing at times to place its Jewish and English identity in conflict, as happened during the 1876-8 Eastern Crisis, which provoked the first episode of modern antisemitism in Britain. The nature of Jewish existence in Britain was unclear and developing in the post-emancipation era. Using original research and focusing upon three inter-linked case studies of Anglo-Jewry's political activity, internal government, and religious development, this book explores the dilemmas of identity and inter-faith relations that confronted the minority in late 19th-century Britain. It illuminates a crucial period in which the Anglo-Jewish community shaped the basis of its modern existence, whilst the British state explored the limits of its toleration.Less
Lionel de Rothschild's hard-fought entry into Parliament in 1858 marked the emancipation of Jews in Britain — the symbolic conclusion of Jews' campaign for equal rights and their inclusion as citizens after centuries of discrimination. With this event, Jewish life entered a new phase: the post-emancipation era. This book explores the development of the Jewish community and its identity in Britain during this formative stage. Emancipation was ambiguous. British acceptance was not neutral but carried expectations, as well as opportunities. This book highlights how integrating into British society required changes to traditional Jewish identity, as it also widened conceptions of Britishness. Many Jews, it suggests, willingly embraced their environment and fashioned a unique Jewish existence: mixing in all levels of society; experiencing economic success; and organizing and translating its faith along Anglican grounds. But, unlike many other European Jewish experiences, Anglo-Jews stayed loyal to their faith. Conversion and outmarriage remained rare, and connections were maintained with foreign kin. The community was even willing at times to place its Jewish and English identity in conflict, as happened during the 1876-8 Eastern Crisis, which provoked the first episode of modern antisemitism in Britain. The nature of Jewish existence in Britain was unclear and developing in the post-emancipation era. Using original research and focusing upon three inter-linked case studies of Anglo-Jewry's political activity, internal government, and religious development, this book explores the dilemmas of identity and inter-faith relations that confronted the minority in late 19th-century Britain. It illuminates a crucial period in which the Anglo-Jewish community shaped the basis of its modern existence, whilst the British state explored the limits of its toleration.
Michael Clark
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199562343
- eISBN:
- 9780191721441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199562343.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
This introductory chapter discusses issues of modern Jewish identity and definition. Specifically, it explores how emancipation in Europe's nation states dissolved traditional patterns of Jewish ...
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This introductory chapter discusses issues of modern Jewish identity and definition. Specifically, it explores how emancipation in Europe's nation states dissolved traditional patterns of Jewish life, and forced Jewish communities to confront modernity and previously inaccessible modes of existence. The ambivalent and ambiguous impacts this had on Jewish identity are highlighted. The chapter also reviews the state of historiography on Anglo-Jewry, and, in particular, on the community's reaction to equality and immediate post-emancipation existence. The state of historical source material on Anglo-Jewry is briefly surveyed before the structure of the book is outlined.Less
This introductory chapter discusses issues of modern Jewish identity and definition. Specifically, it explores how emancipation in Europe's nation states dissolved traditional patterns of Jewish life, and forced Jewish communities to confront modernity and previously inaccessible modes of existence. The ambivalent and ambiguous impacts this had on Jewish identity are highlighted. The chapter also reviews the state of historiography on Anglo-Jewry, and, in particular, on the community's reaction to equality and immediate post-emancipation existence. The state of historical source material on Anglo-Jewry is briefly surveyed before the structure of the book is outlined.
Michael Clark
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199562343
- eISBN:
- 9780191721441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199562343.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
This chapter provides historical background on the Jewish experience in modern Britain. Surveying the history of the minority from the mid-17th century Resettlement to the mid-19th century campaign ...
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This chapter provides historical background on the Jewish experience in modern Britain. Surveying the history of the minority from the mid-17th century Resettlement to the mid-19th century campaign to achieve emancipation, it reviews and outlines the basis of Anglo-Jewish settlement, community formation, and identity. It also explores the context and content of the emancipation debate in Britain from both the Jewish and Gentile perspective. Discussing the impact this had on Anglo-Jewish identity, it introduces the essentially ambiguous nature of the subculture's equality. Emancipation is established as a ‘symbolic point of departure’ for British Jews, not necessarily a hard-and-fast historical discontinuity but a milestone inaugurating a new phase.Less
This chapter provides historical background on the Jewish experience in modern Britain. Surveying the history of the minority from the mid-17th century Resettlement to the mid-19th century campaign to achieve emancipation, it reviews and outlines the basis of Anglo-Jewish settlement, community formation, and identity. It also explores the context and content of the emancipation debate in Britain from both the Jewish and Gentile perspective. Discussing the impact this had on Anglo-Jewish identity, it introduces the essentially ambiguous nature of the subculture's equality. Emancipation is established as a ‘symbolic point of departure’ for British Jews, not necessarily a hard-and-fast historical discontinuity but a milestone inaugurating a new phase.
Michael Clark
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199562343
- eISBN:
- 9780191721441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199562343.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
This chapter focuses upon Anglo-Jewry's internal communal government, in particular the activities and operation of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. This quasi-democratic, quasi-oligarchic ...
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This chapter focuses upon Anglo-Jewry's internal communal government, in particular the activities and operation of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. This quasi-democratic, quasi-oligarchic institution claimed sole responsibility for representing British Jews to the outside world, whilst also seeking to maintain a coherent group governed by a certain pattern of Jewish existence. After examining the workings of the Board, the chapter explores attempts to protect what it perceived as the community's interests from a variety of incursions within the broader scope of British society. It demonstrates the confusing and often conflicting stance of a minority espousing both equality and exceptionality of treatment. The chapter also investigates the minority's activities on behalf of persecuted Jews abroad, exploring the impact of Anglo-Jewish diplomacy upon both Jewish beliefs and contemporary British foreign policy, as well as illustrating the polity's opinion of the minority.Less
This chapter focuses upon Anglo-Jewry's internal communal government, in particular the activities and operation of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. This quasi-democratic, quasi-oligarchic institution claimed sole responsibility for representing British Jews to the outside world, whilst also seeking to maintain a coherent group governed by a certain pattern of Jewish existence. After examining the workings of the Board, the chapter explores attempts to protect what it perceived as the community's interests from a variety of incursions within the broader scope of British society. It demonstrates the confusing and often conflicting stance of a minority espousing both equality and exceptionality of treatment. The chapter also investigates the minority's activities on behalf of persecuted Jews abroad, exploring the impact of Anglo-Jewish diplomacy upon both Jewish beliefs and contemporary British foreign policy, as well as illustrating the polity's opinion of the minority.
Michael Clark
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199562343
- eISBN:
- 9780191721441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199562343.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
This chapter examines a range of issues concerning Anglo-Jewry's socio-cultural life, concentrating upon the religious component. It assesses the institutional nature of communal religiosity and its ...
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This chapter examines a range of issues concerning Anglo-Jewry's socio-cultural life, concentrating upon the religious component. It assesses the institutional nature of communal religiosity and its identity implications before evaluating the evolution of Anglo-Jewish religious practice in the period, illustrating how Anglo-Judaism adapted to its modern situation as a British confession and the loss of traditional faith this entailed. The chapter moves on to discuss Jewish education, highlighting both the deficiency of faith instruction, as well as the class-orientated nature of provision. A final section discusses topics that demonstrated continuing Jewish religious feeling and group identity — out-marriage, proselytizing, conversion — before examining issues influencing the dualistic character of the minority — connections to the Holy Land, Restorationism, concepts of the Jewish Mission. With the latter, this chapter suggests that religiously, Anglo-Jewry achieved a remarkable integration of British and Jewish interests.Less
This chapter examines a range of issues concerning Anglo-Jewry's socio-cultural life, concentrating upon the religious component. It assesses the institutional nature of communal religiosity and its identity implications before evaluating the evolution of Anglo-Jewish religious practice in the period, illustrating how Anglo-Judaism adapted to its modern situation as a British confession and the loss of traditional faith this entailed. The chapter moves on to discuss Jewish education, highlighting both the deficiency of faith instruction, as well as the class-orientated nature of provision. A final section discusses topics that demonstrated continuing Jewish religious feeling and group identity — out-marriage, proselytizing, conversion — before examining issues influencing the dualistic character of the minority — connections to the Holy Land, Restorationism, concepts of the Jewish Mission. With the latter, this chapter suggests that religiously, Anglo-Jewry achieved a remarkable integration of British and Jewish interests.
Michael Clark
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199562343
- eISBN:
- 9780191721441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199562343.003.0006
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
This chapter analyses the changing nature of the community's make-up and identity during the 1880s. It focuses on the revolutionary impact of mass Jewish immigration upon the character of the ...
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This chapter analyses the changing nature of the community's make-up and identity during the 1880s. It focuses on the revolutionary impact of mass Jewish immigration upon the character of the established community and its position within British society, covering issues such as altering socio-economic patterns and the minority's acculturated charitable ethos. The chapter also explores the concomitant identity changes Anglo-Jews experienced, tracing the emergence of increasing ethnic conceptions of Jewishness on one hand, and more de-nationalised articulations on the other. It suggests that these developments stimulated Anglo-Jewry's historical consciousness, leading to events such as the 1887 Anglo-Jewish Exhibition, which is examined as an indication of the closure of this period of Anglo-Jewish experience, the end of the immediate post-emancipation era.Less
This chapter analyses the changing nature of the community's make-up and identity during the 1880s. It focuses on the revolutionary impact of mass Jewish immigration upon the character of the established community and its position within British society, covering issues such as altering socio-economic patterns and the minority's acculturated charitable ethos. The chapter also explores the concomitant identity changes Anglo-Jews experienced, tracing the emergence of increasing ethnic conceptions of Jewishness on one hand, and more de-nationalised articulations on the other. It suggests that these developments stimulated Anglo-Jewry's historical consciousness, leading to events such as the 1887 Anglo-Jewish Exhibition, which is examined as an indication of the closure of this period of Anglo-Jewish experience, the end of the immediate post-emancipation era.
Michael Clark
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199562343
- eISBN:
- 9780191721441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199562343.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
This concluding chapter brings together the book's analysis to summarise the nature of Anglo-Jewish identity in the post-emancipation era. It demonstrates that emancipation did not provide a solution ...
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This concluding chapter brings together the book's analysis to summarise the nature of Anglo-Jewish identity in the post-emancipation era. It demonstrates that emancipation did not provide a solution to the perennial debate about Anglo-Jewry's position within British society. Reviewing developments between 1858 and 1887, it discusses the integrated and acculturated aspects of the minority's character, contrasting these with examples of continuing minority specificity and Jewish particularity. A spacious but unstructured identity is suggested, one which benefited from the generally tolerant British environment but could be criticised if not closely correlated to the prevailing culture, when necessary. The conclusion highlights the centrality of ambiguity to modern Anglo-Jewish identity.Less
This concluding chapter brings together the book's analysis to summarise the nature of Anglo-Jewish identity in the post-emancipation era. It demonstrates that emancipation did not provide a solution to the perennial debate about Anglo-Jewry's position within British society. Reviewing developments between 1858 and 1887, it discusses the integrated and acculturated aspects of the minority's character, contrasting these with examples of continuing minority specificity and Jewish particularity. A spacious but unstructured identity is suggested, one which benefited from the generally tolerant British environment but could be criticised if not closely correlated to the prevailing culture, when necessary. The conclusion highlights the centrality of ambiguity to modern Anglo-Jewish identity.
Todd M. Endelman
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520227194
- eISBN:
- 9780520935662
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520227194.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This introductory chapter explains the coverage of this book, which is about the history of Jews in Great Britain during the period from 1656 to 2000. This book deals with the resettlement of the ...
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This introductory chapter explains the coverage of this book, which is about the history of Jews in Great Britain during the period from 1656 to 2000. This book deals with the resettlement of the Jews in England from 1656 to 1700 and describes their rise from poverty to prosperity during the period from 1800 to 1870. It examines the conflict between native and foreign Jews and the fracturing of the Anglo-Jewry. It suggests that for historians of the Jewish people, Britain's importance in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries is linked to its role as an imperial power rather than to its treatment of its Jewish citizens or impact on their cultural and intellectual life.Less
This introductory chapter explains the coverage of this book, which is about the history of Jews in Great Britain during the period from 1656 to 2000. This book deals with the resettlement of the Jews in England from 1656 to 1700 and describes their rise from poverty to prosperity during the period from 1800 to 1870. It examines the conflict between native and foreign Jews and the fracturing of the Anglo-Jewry. It suggests that for historians of the Jewish people, Britain's importance in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries is linked to its role as an imperial power rather than to its treatment of its Jewish citizens or impact on their cultural and intellectual life.
Todd M. Endelman
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520227194
- eISBN:
- 9780520935662
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520227194.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter examines the conflict between native and foreign Jews in Great Britain. The permanent settlement of East European Jews in Britain between 1881 and 1914 radically transformed the ...
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This chapter examines the conflict between native and foreign Jews in Great Britain. The permanent settlement of East European Jews in Britain between 1881 and 1914 radically transformed the character of the Anglo-Jewry. Their poverty and foreignness drew unwanted attention to them and native-born Jews alike and once again gave the Anglo-Jewry a lower-class cast. Their old world religious practices offended those accustomed to the polite but somnolent atmosphere of anglicized synagogues and they also created intracommunal friction and fuelled the fires of xenophobia and anti-Semitism.Less
This chapter examines the conflict between native and foreign Jews in Great Britain. The permanent settlement of East European Jews in Britain between 1881 and 1914 radically transformed the character of the Anglo-Jewry. Their poverty and foreignness drew unwanted attention to them and native-born Jews alike and once again gave the Anglo-Jewry a lower-class cast. Their old world religious practices offended those accustomed to the polite but somnolent atmosphere of anglicized synagogues and they also created intracommunal friction and fuelled the fires of xenophobia and anti-Semitism.
Todd M. Endelman
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520227194
- eISBN:
- 9780520935662
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520227194.003.0006
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter describes the experience of the Anglo-Jewry from the time of World War I to the Holocaust. Although British Jews escaped the death and destruction that swept over continental Jewish ...
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This chapter describes the experience of the Anglo-Jewry from the time of World War I to the Holocaust. Although British Jews escaped the death and destruction that swept over continental Jewish communities, they were not spared their repercussions and consequences. Communal leaders and organizations were forced to confront a host of novel problems. The persistence of anti-Semitism heightened the unease of communal leaders and thus inhibited their defense of Jewish interests. For fear of being accused of championing Jewish over English interests, they were cautious in challenging wartime policies that discriminated against Jews or that ignored their suffering.Less
This chapter describes the experience of the Anglo-Jewry from the time of World War I to the Holocaust. Although British Jews escaped the death and destruction that swept over continental Jewish communities, they were not spared their repercussions and consequences. Communal leaders and organizations were forced to confront a host of novel problems. The persistence of anti-Semitism heightened the unease of communal leaders and thus inhibited their defense of Jewish interests. For fear of being accused of championing Jewish over English interests, they were cautious in challenging wartime policies that discriminated against Jews or that ignored their suffering.
Todd M. Endelman
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520227194
- eISBN:
- 9780520935662
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520227194.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter focuses on the fracturing of the Anglo-Jewry during the period from 1945 to 2000. It explains that after the war Jews were able to enter the professions and the new service industries ...
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This chapter focuses on the fracturing of the Anglo-Jewry during the period from 1945 to 2000. It explains that after the war Jews were able to enter the professions and the new service industries and some of them were appointed high-profile positions in government, in universities, and in public life. However, this development was accompanied by indifference to ritual and worship, ignorance of Jewish learning and lore and radical assimilation which threatened the demographic health of the Jewish community. By the end of the twentieth century, the religious life of Anglo-Jewry was more diverse, fractured, and contentious than in any previous period.Less
This chapter focuses on the fracturing of the Anglo-Jewry during the period from 1945 to 2000. It explains that after the war Jews were able to enter the professions and the new service industries and some of them were appointed high-profile positions in government, in universities, and in public life. However, this development was accompanied by indifference to ritual and worship, ignorance of Jewish learning and lore and radical assimilation which threatened the demographic health of the Jewish community. By the end of the twentieth century, the religious life of Anglo-Jewry was more diverse, fractured, and contentious than in any previous period.
Tony Kushner
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719076541
- eISBN:
- 9781781702512
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719076541.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, History of Religion
This book is a study of the history and memory of Anglo-Jewry from medieval times to the present and explores the construction of identities, both Jewish and non-Jewish, in relation to the concept of ...
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This book is a study of the history and memory of Anglo-Jewry from medieval times to the present and explores the construction of identities, both Jewish and non-Jewish, in relation to the concept of place. The introductory chapters provide a theoretical overview focusing on the nature of local studies. The book then moves into a chronological frame, starting with medieval Winchester, moving to early modern Portsmouth, and then it covers the evolution of Anglo-Jewry from emancipation to the twentieth century. Emphasis is placed on the impact on identities resulting from the complex relationship between migration (including transmigration) and the settlement of minority groups. Drawing upon a range of approaches, including history, cultural and literary studies, geography, Jewish and ethnic and racial studies, the book uses extensive sources including novels, poems, art, travel literature, autobiographical writing, official documentation, newspapers and census data.Less
This book is a study of the history and memory of Anglo-Jewry from medieval times to the present and explores the construction of identities, both Jewish and non-Jewish, in relation to the concept of place. The introductory chapters provide a theoretical overview focusing on the nature of local studies. The book then moves into a chronological frame, starting with medieval Winchester, moving to early modern Portsmouth, and then it covers the evolution of Anglo-Jewry from emancipation to the twentieth century. Emphasis is placed on the impact on identities resulting from the complex relationship between migration (including transmigration) and the settlement of minority groups. Drawing upon a range of approaches, including history, cultural and literary studies, geography, Jewish and ethnic and racial studies, the book uses extensive sources including novels, poems, art, travel literature, autobiographical writing, official documentation, newspapers and census data.
