This time while researching my blog, I became interested in the cultural identity crisis of American Jews, and their religious struggles in a predominantly Christian nation. I referred to multiple texts, on of them named Orthodox Jews in America by Jeffrey S. Gurock. He informs the reader of how Eastern European Jews were accustomed to living within small communities of the same religion, or even residing in ghettos. Immigrating to America was a challenge, due to the aptly named moniker of "melting pot of the world" that it has been given. he gives the example of S.E. Rosenbaum, who was a young Jewish immigrant in 1847. Already, while he was on the voyage, did he witness unobservant among his fellow men: "However, 'on ship, no one here'--- presumably other than he--- 'has fasted'" (Gurock, 50). This was only the beginning of a gradual dissemination of Jews' faith throughout their existence in the USA. However, occasionally allowances would be made for the Jews, such as kosher food or separate cooking areas from the trefe (un-kosher) vittles of other passengers on the ship. Another issue that arose was that of exceedingly informal situations and atmosphere in American synagogues. Orthodox Jews especially were not comfortable with the less-than-draconian congregational system, and they acted upon this dissent by forming laws about the nature of the way synagogues functioned. as these rules changed and developed, different sects and denominational synagogues formed. Ashkenazim separated from orthodox, and divides were created between the multiple groups. however, all the groups agreed upon on important aspect, which was that of proper adherence to basic Jewish laws, such as that of the preparation of meat. the author mentions that "a concerned consumer had to rely upon a special seal that designated a large side of beef as kosher" (Gurock, 51), and he continues by relating the minute processes in which kosher meat is produced, and the importance of this ritual to the Jewish community.
Another interesting facet of American Jewish culture was that of feminism, or rather the lack thereof in the Orthodox sect of Judaism. by 1972, Reform Jews had already ordained a female rabbi, and Reconstructionist Jews had also reached this point a few years later. Orthodox Jews were not so liberal, and feminist organizations and individuals fought for their right adamantly, with no avail against the ancient Jewish laws which had been part of a way of life for centuries. Women were eventually allowed (in relaxed atmospheres, such as Jewish college group services) to read from and be called to the Torah. Even today, Orthodox are still not as accepting of the equality of men and women, and many such synagogues do not allow women to become rabbis or take part in services in any way, even in the reading of Torah during services or ceremonies, and girls are rarely allowed to have bat mitzvahs or participate in those of their male relatives. It has been attempted by modern American Jewish feminists to change these rules, and they are gradually (though slowly) changing. However, some modifications have been effected, such as the allowance of women to recite the kaddish, the mourner's prayer, with men, which was indeed an important aspect of feminist movements within conservative Jews.
I once again enjoyed reading about the history of American Jews, and I found the feminist aspect especially interesting. Though i am not a conservative Jew myself, I was exceedingly pleased to read about individuals of my gender furthering their rights. It also related to what we just learned in our history class regarding the Civil Rights movement which was a fascinating connection. Though the feminist movement within Orthodox Judaism has not been as successful as that of the blacks, it is a present day connection to the efforts of activists such as Frederick Douglass and even MLK.
I searched pictures that would relate to the particular aspect of the topic which I researched, and I found this particular picture which showed a synagogue during the 1950s in America. It was rural, but demonstrated the small facet of American Jewish synagogues.
I once again enjoyed reading about the history of American Jews, and I found the feminist aspect especially interesting. Though i am not a conservative Jew myself, I was exceedingly pleased to read about individuals of my gender furthering their rights. It also related to what we just learned in our history class regarding the Civil Rights movement which was a fascinating connection. Though the feminist movement within Orthodox Judaism has not been as successful as that of the blacks, it is a present day connection to the efforts of activists such as Frederick Douglass and even MLK.
I searched pictures that would relate to the particular aspect of the topic which I researched, and I found this particular picture which showed a synagogue during the 1950s in America. It was rural, but demonstrated the small facet of American Jewish synagogues.
The other picture that I found which related to this topic was one of Jewish Orthodox men who were discussing Talmudic matters, and who wore stereotypical Hasidic (conservative) garments and hats. This photo was taken during the late 1800s, and took place in New York.
