Summary, opinion and all that good stuff... Yes more american Jewish history

While I was researching possible topics for my blog, I became interested in the Jazz Culture of the early 1920s-40s. As i read more information regarding american jewish immigrants, i began to wonder their involvement in Jazz Culture. a book called In Their Own Image: New York Jews in Jazz Age popular culture by Ted Merwin which proved helpful and quite diverting. The first chapter that i read was about the vaudeville theatre. The concept of playing upon Jewish stereotypes as a comedic skit was first established in 1900, when a short play was acted out, comparing Jewish people to monkeys. The concept of stereotypes being used as humorous entertainment was utilized, such as playing upon the large noses that Jews commonly possess, or the fact they they often wear large, black hats (especially those of the Orthodox faction). A man known as James Madison was an innovator of this movement, declaring that "'The time is ripe for Hebrew dialect comedians'" (Merwin, 19). Though this mocking of stereotypes provided much hilarity for audiences, it also bred anti-Semitic sentiment throughout the gentile audiences that viewed these types of plays. Vaudeville was not the first to mock Jews; the author states that "Jews remained in the Shylock and Fagin tradition" (Merwin, 19). Shylock is a Jewish character from The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare who clearly reiterates the anti-Semitic sentiment during the time period. Fagin, a perhaps more commonly known fictional protagonist, is yet another individual who upholds his author's anti-Jewish ideas. He was a thief in the novel Oliver Twist, corrupt and evil in nature, and his eventual degradation from life was considered a triumph in the novel. Merwin was relating to the reader that these vaudeville plays (that were seemingly comedic and innocent and nature) were actually a continuation of the latter literary anti-Semitic beliefs.

After reading about Jewish comedy, I continued my previous research regarding the continuation of their faith in America. I was especially intrigued about this topic, because many people in my own community often relate their troubles with retaining their "Jewishness" in a nation which does not specifically promote the religion. In the book In Search of American Jewish Culture by Stephen J. Whitfield, it is expressed that though Christianity is the dominant religion in the United States, the supposed ideals of liberty and freedom prevent it from eclipsing Judaism. However, the author expresses that it is these same ideals that cause America to be too free for the constrictions of religion. Thus, due to the liberating conceptions of Americans, religious practices are difficult. Even so, Jews in America have learned how to adapt to the cultural nuances of  the country, such as performing religious ceremonies in sports stadiums.
I enjoyed reading about the development of Jewish satire, and how it stemmed from the concepts of stereotypical members of the latter religion. I had not known of the Shylock Fagin characters, but had a better understanding of common misunderstandings of Jewish people after researching them. In conclusion, i found this a fairly successful research project. I learned a great deal about my American Jewish heritage and the traditions that they upheld after their immigration to the United States.


I found these pictures that related, the first being of Shylock from Shakespeare's play

and the second of Fagin, from Charles Dickens' well loved work of literature

More... Jewish Immigration Research

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.

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.

Summary and Opinion of More Sources

I decided to focus on a few smaller points while researching the broader subject of American Jewish immigration. One particular aspect that interested me was American Jewish music. As the source The Jews of North America (Moses Rischin) enlightened for me, professional folk music connected to this religion is named klezmer in Yiddish (a language which is a mixture of German and Hebrew). Ukrainian folklore also had an effect on this music, assimilating with established American folk traditions during the 1880s. Klezmer music primarily finds its influence from Eastern European cultures, and one important derivation from this culture is doina. This is a Middle Eastern (but has assimilated into a Romanian) tradition of melancholy gypsy music, which was often played as a eulogy but after developed into wedding music (as well as other life cycle events such as bar/bat mitzvahs or circumcision ceremonies), which is the genre it is now associated with. Klezmer music was originally only played at festivals and ceremonies, but eventually evolved into concert music
Before further demonstrating the different aspects of Jewish immigrant music, the fact must be accentuated that this music has assimilated over time through its dispersal through numerous cultures and countries. One of the most important informational elements to consider while studying the topic of klezmer and American Jewish music is that of the assimilation of it through different societal systems.
Jewish immigrants to America also formed organizations to protect the central aspects of their culture, such as their connection to Israel. One such association is (it still functions) B'nai B'rith International, which means "Children of the Covenant" in Hebrew. In 1843, BBI was established by 12 Jewish immigrants at a cafe in the Lower East Side of New York. It was primarily organized to offer social services to Jewish communities, such as pensions for poor women, or aiding those affected by natural disasters. They also erected public buildings such as the Maimonides Library or the Cleveland Jewish Orphan Home shortly following the Civil War. It not only helped the financial security of Jews in America, but it also helped them in finding jobs and constructed municipal buildings for the benefit of both gentile and Jewish communities.
Bibliography  
The Jews of North America by Moses Rischin



http://www.bnaibrith.org/about_us/bbi_roots.cfm

the first picture is a copy of the initiation form from the B'nai B'rith organisation in the late 1800s.
the second picture is a poster for a Yiddish- American klezmer music band that was established in the early 1900s, and were quite successful

I think that the information that I learned while researching this was exceedingly interesting, because I was not aware of American Jewish social services and help such as BBI. Also, I found investigation of klezmer music particularly intriguing, because of my own appreciation of music and the cultural nuances within this aspect of the Jewish faith. I am eager to learn more about klezmer music, especially the ways in which Easter European ethnology has influenced and altered it. I think that I will focus mainly on the culinary (due to my interest in numerous cultural foods) and the businesses that the Jews eventually adopted when coming to America. I am indeed interested so far in my research of Jewish American culture and music.
    

                                                                                                
                                                                                                      

Spring Break Summary and Opinion of Sources

While searching for sources on the internet, I found a concise and informative text called Unites States Jewry, 1776-1985, Volume 3. Though I presumed it would provide insipid reading material, I read through 10 pages of it, and happened to find exceedingly fascinating and pertinent information within the book. A particular chapter described the political and economical advances by Jews in the United States from 1860- 1920, specifically. The writing manner in which the historical facts was written indeed captivated my interest and allowed me to obtain much more information about the topic.
Jews started to desire political authority in the early history of the US, even going so far as to request the positions of postmaster general or charge d'affairs, both of which positions were achieved by Jews in 1778 and 1843, respectively. After the end of the Civil War, those affiliated with this religion were allowed involvement in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. David Levy (who's last name was alternately Yulee due to problems with his blatantly Jewish last name and the discrimination his family received because of it) was in fact the first Jewish man to represent a state (Florida) in the Senate in 1841. Another similarly notable Jewish politician was Judah P. Benjamin, he was largely more successful as a senator than previous and later government officials of the same faith. However, Yulee was indeed instrumental in the development of a railroad from the Atlantic to the Gulf, through the latter of Mexico. He was greatly involved in the completion and success of the railroad. despite his achievements, he was not in fact a very active member of the Jewish community, and was even rumored to have converted to Christianity due to the fact he was buried by an Evangelical. His brother was a Swedenborgenist, a radical Christian sect that believes in Jesus Christ as the only true representation of God. Nonetheless, he was of Jewish heritage, starting a series of American Jewish politicians who were in fact religious and practiced their faith openly and piously. The religious facet also relates to another aspect of American Jewish life: that of discrimination, or as it is colloquially called, "Judeophobia".  It was reinforced by the Immigration Act of 1921, which was an emergency law of Congress (due to rising tensions with Americans and both Japanese and Eastern Europeans) that states the amount of people moving from any nation to America could not exceed the amount of three percent of the given nation's population. Only 357,000 people in total were allowed to immigrate to the US. In addition, antisemitism was formed through not only fundamentalist Christian values, but also by the fact most Jews were wealthy and others resented them for their success and prosperity.  As regards to culture, the dilution of both the culture and religion of the Jews occurred, and measures were acted upon to reverse this process of receding their faith. One such measure was the Jewish Chautauqua Society, an organization formed for the purpose of preserving Judaism for those living in America. It was formed by Rev. Dr. Henry Berkowitz, and was used to distribute Jewish literature among those who made effort to still carry on their culture. Another interesting aspect of their society was music. The well known composer Arthur Rubenstein moved to America in 1946, and not only was he influenced by those well known musicians such as Chopin, but also by the klezmer music of New York Jewish society. Jews also started music publishing companies, and produced music with Yiddish lyrics. The cultivation of such arts in the American Jewish affiliation was therefore further developed, causing greater deviation from their original Eastern European heritage.
I have enjoyed researching this topic greatly, learning a great deal more about my Jewish predecessors. I had very little knowledge of anything beyond my own synagogue, as regards to the American population. Much concentration is put upon the importance of Eastern European Jews, but not nearly as much upon those who immigrated to America in the late 1800s. I have always been fascinated about how they adapted and changed the culture, and managed to remain faithful to their faith through the hardships of segregation and antisemitism. Through the valuable and educational resources I used, I learned many facts about Jewish roles in American politics, society, and the arts. It was not only engaging, but I also found myself absorbing the information due to my excessive interest in the topic. I am looking forward to reading more about this culture that affects my own life, and acquiring more information regarding the fascinating history of American Jews.

Possible Research Topic

I, like most high school students, have been taking a U.S. history class for numerous semesters this year. I, also like most high school students, must research a topic that interests me, at least in an academic context. I find that one of the central themes of this class is to establish connections between central themes of events during the history of your relatively new nation. I will investigate central themes such as the development of society and culture as relates to the ideas of our founding fathers, as well as the effects of industrialization and urbanization. I will, to my best ability, attempt to make this topic interesting, through both visual aids and dry humor scattered throughout my amateurish interpretations of the texts and given materials of study. 

Numerous topics had called for my attention while I gave a cursory glance over the topic list. Namely among them was that of Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance. I dare claim to be an avid connoisseur of literature, especially that which relates to an important historical event. The Harlem Renaissance describes a time that begun in the 1910s, in which African Americans underwent an important cultural revolution in cities such as Chicago, New York, and Cleveland. They composed important works of music and theater, such as Torrence's Three Plays for a Negro Theater attempted to produce awareness of racism and prevent segregative ideals that were prevalent in society between the 1910 and 1920 era. The writer Langston Hughes was a revolutionary of the Harlem Renaissance, producing novels, poems, and plays during his lifetime. He utilized the new technique of "jazz poetry" to add a modern and innovative style to his works. "Jazz poetry" describes a style of prose that not only references jazz musicians and compositions, but also is written with a rhythm similar to that heard in the aforementioned music. I am interested in researching both the Harlem Renaissance and the works of Langston Hughes because not only am I interested in the music and liberal arts revolution in America, but also I find the advancement and development of black rights an engaging and pertinent topic, due to cultural situations such as terrorism and segregation that are still prevalent today.

Another topic that captured my attention was Jewish immigration into America, specifically between the early 1920s through 1930s. My interest in this subject was generated by my own Jewish roots, and I realized while studying the origins of my religious heritage, that I didn't know much about American Jews.
Many Jews immigrated in the early 1900s to places such as New York, where they gained jobs in business and banking, earning stereotypes as money lenders among other Americans. There were 270 synagogues in the USA by 1880, due to the mass movement of Jewish people from pogroms in Eastern Europe. A particular aspect of this topic that interested me was that of literature among Jewish communities in the late 1890s and early 1900s. Most of these books and literary works were written in Yiddish, the language that is an amalgamation of Hebrew and German, used colloquially among Jewish communities. Chaim Potok was a renowned author who I will be interested in further researching. Early Jewish culture is also an intriguing aspect of this historical era.
Though I am still undecided about which topic I will choose, I will continue to research each of them until I have come to a decision about which interests me more. I am exceedingly inspired to continue this project, and am looking forward to furthering my knowledge on the topic I choose for this assignment.