This book explores the life and thought of one of the most important but least known figures in early Zionism, Nathan Birnbaum. Now remembered mainly for his coinage of the word "Zionism," Birnbaum was a towering figure in early Jewish nationalism. Because of his unusual intellectual trajectory, however, he has been written out of Jewish history. In the middle of his life, in the depth of World War I, Birnbaum left his venerable position as a secular Jewish nationalist for religious Orthodoxy, an unheard of decision in his time. To the dismay of his former colleagues, he adopted a life of strict religiosity and was embraced as a leader in the young, growing world of Orthodox political activism in the interwar period, one of the most successful and powerful movements in interwar central and eastern Europe. Jess Olson brings to light documents from one of the most complete archives of Jewish nationalism, the Nathan and Solomon Birnbaum Family Archives, including materials previously unknown in the study of Zionism, Yiddish-based Jewish nationalism, and the history of Orthodoxy. This book is an important meditation on the complexities of Jewish political and intellectual life in the most tumultuous period of European Jewish history, especially of the interplay of national, political, and religious identity in the life of one of its most fascinating figures.

Nathan Birnbaum and Jewish Modernity: Architect of Zionism, Yiddishism, and Orthodoxy (Studies in Jewish History and Culture)

History

Olson, Jess

World

Stanford University Press

<p>"Among the most lucid, authoritative accounts of Jewish culture in the English language. A work of impressive breadth, great intelligence and clarity." -Steven J. Zipperstein, Daniel E. Koshland Professor in Jewish Culture and History, Stanford University "Jess Olson guides his readers through four thousand years of Jewish experience, his eye set firmly on the life of the Jewish people today. An "incisive insider" and master teacher, Olson's A Quick Immersion in Jewish Culture? is a delightful entry point to all things Jewish." -Steven Fine, Churgin Professor of Jewish History, Director, Center for Israel Studies, Yeshiva University"Jess Olson has written a clear, well-conceived, deeply informed, highly engaging introduction to Judaism. Highly recommended " -Michah Gottlieb, Associate Professor of Jewish Thought and Philosophy, New York UniversityJewish Culture. A Quick Immersion offers a broad overview of Jewish culture and identity throughout Jewish history. In accessible language, Jewish Culture explores the religious, ethnic and national components of Jewish identities as they have developed over some 4,000 years. It is an ideal text for those with little familiarity with Jewish history, religion and culture, as well as the more informed reader interested in a broad synthesis the many strains of thought and experience that have shaped Judaism and the Jewish people.</p>

Jewish Culture: A Quick Immersion (Quick Immersions)

Religion & Spirituality

Judaism

Tibidabo Publishing, Inc.

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