Introduction
-
Gavin Schaffer
Abstract
The introduction explores trends in Jewish history, considering how approaches to the subject have changed over time. It probes the impact of antisemitism and violence on Jewish thinking, observing the ways in which these forces have shaped the stories that Jewish communities tell about themselves. It contends that setting aside antisemitism, and focusing more broadly on the diversity of Jewish lived experiences, allows a different set of stories about Jewish Britain to come to the fore. The introduction questions who and what should be the focus in a history of Jewish Britain, arguing that it is important to recognise the diversity of the community if a clearer picture of its past is to emerge. It observes that Jewish hostility towards certain behaviours and beliefs (anti-Zionism, marrying non-Jews, homosexuality) have silenced many Jewish voices, and that these need to be amplified in order for the breadth of British Jewish experience to be properly understood. Moreover, the introduction asserts, understanding the Jewish periphery is central to understanding the thinking and beliefs that have shaped the Jewish centre. The introduction then explores the interplay between communal organisations and families and individuals, noting that communal agendas have often stifled everyday personal stories and experiences. Ultimately, it argues that digging in different places, exploring the histories of hitherto under-researched communities and individuals, allows a different and fuller picture of Jewish Britain to emerge.
Abstract
The introduction explores trends in Jewish history, considering how approaches to the subject have changed over time. It probes the impact of antisemitism and violence on Jewish thinking, observing the ways in which these forces have shaped the stories that Jewish communities tell about themselves. It contends that setting aside antisemitism, and focusing more broadly on the diversity of Jewish lived experiences, allows a different set of stories about Jewish Britain to come to the fore. The introduction questions who and what should be the focus in a history of Jewish Britain, arguing that it is important to recognise the diversity of the community if a clearer picture of its past is to emerge. It observes that Jewish hostility towards certain behaviours and beliefs (anti-Zionism, marrying non-Jews, homosexuality) have silenced many Jewish voices, and that these need to be amplified in order for the breadth of British Jewish experience to be properly understood. Moreover, the introduction asserts, understanding the Jewish periphery is central to understanding the thinking and beliefs that have shaped the Jewish centre. The introduction then explores the interplay between communal organisations and families and individuals, noting that communal agendas have often stifled everyday personal stories and experiences. Ultimately, it argues that digging in different places, exploring the histories of hitherto under-researched communities and individuals, allows a different and fuller picture of Jewish Britain to emerge.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front Matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Introduction 1
- 1 The last Jew of Merthyr and other bubbe meises 20
- 2 Meshuga frum? Devotion and division in religious practice 39
- 3 ‘We speak for them’ 72
- 4 ‘These wicked sons’ 90
- 5 Oi vay – I’m Jewish and gay 109
- 6 The (un)forgivable sin 130
- 7 The nice Jewish boy (who believes in Jesus) 150
- 8 The last outpost of the British Empire 174
- Conclusion 193
- Acknowledgements 197
- Figures 199
- Abbreviations 200
- Notes 201
- Select bibliography 245
- Index 253
- Plates 261
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front Matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Introduction 1
- 1 The last Jew of Merthyr and other bubbe meises 20
- 2 Meshuga frum? Devotion and division in religious practice 39
- 3 ‘We speak for them’ 72
- 4 ‘These wicked sons’ 90
- 5 Oi vay – I’m Jewish and gay 109
- 6 The (un)forgivable sin 130
- 7 The nice Jewish boy (who believes in Jesus) 150
- 8 The last outpost of the British Empire 174
- Conclusion 193
- Acknowledgements 197
- Figures 199
- Abbreviations 200
- Notes 201
- Select bibliography 245
- Index 253
- Plates 261
