Blog #1
Jewish Roots in Southern Soil: Intro & Chapter 1
These chapters delved into the historical nature of Jews arriving and assimilating into the southern New World. In the late 17th century, when Jews were first immigrating to the southern regions of the US, the Jews were faced with many identity and religious barriers. The literature left by southern Jewish scholars living through that era gives us a strong sense of the economic, political and social obstacles faced by Jews at the time. The Jewish marginality at that time was clear and strong; in fact, it caused many Jews to loose some aspects of their Jewish identity.
These introductory chapters enticed me with questions that I hope will be explored throughout the chapters such as: How was southern Jewish life different from Northern Jewish life in terms of family structure, community hierarchy in the Jewish community vs. overall community, views on race/ slavery, economic wealth, and religious values and traditions.
Chapter 1 touched on the economic motive of many Southern Jewish immigrants from Europe. The economy in the south at that time was heavy reliant on farming and trade. I’m curious the extent of which being Jewish played an impact on trade, was being Jewish ostracized to the point where other non-Jew farmers would refuse trade? Did this differ from more urban farmland vs. larger southern cities such as Atlanta, Memphis and Savannah?
Jewish Roots in Southern Soil: Intro & Chapter 1
These chapters delved into the historical nature of Jews arriving and assimilating into the southern New World. In the late 17th century, when Jews were first immigrating to the southern regions of the US, the Jews were faced with many identity and religious barriers. The literature left by southern Jewish scholars living through that era gives us a strong sense of the economic, political and social obstacles faced by Jews at the time. The Jewish marginality at that time was clear and strong; in fact, it caused many Jews to loose some aspects of their Jewish identity.
These introductory chapters enticed me with questions that I hope will be explored throughout the chapters such as: How was southern Jewish life different from Northern Jewish life in terms of family structure, community hierarchy in the Jewish community vs. overall community, views on race/ slavery, economic wealth, and religious values and traditions.
Chapter 1 touched on the economic motive of many Southern Jewish immigrants from Europe. The economy in the south at that time was heavy reliant on farming and trade. I’m curious the extent of which being Jewish played an impact on trade, was being Jewish ostracized to the point where other non-Jew farmers would refuse trade? Did this differ from more urban farmland vs. larger southern cities such as Atlanta, Memphis and Savannah?
Blog #2
Jewish Roots in Southern Soil: Chapter 6 & 8
I am officially loving this course. These chapters answered some of the questions I had mentioned in my first post, but also sparked my interest in other topics. I am so fascinated with the Jewish life in the south during the mid 19th to 20th century, a time when racism and religion were major societal identities. I want to know more about Jewish marginality during this time: How were Jews treated in the South? We’re they accepted? tolerated? rejected? Was the treatment and views of Jews in southern society universal for southern communities or differed for particular towns, urban vs. rural?
In chapter 6, Eric Goldstein explained how Jews arrived from either the north or central Europe in search for economic prosperity. Some of the shocking notions that Goldstein mentioned were that Jews were given most if not all of the civic priveledges as the whites. Prior to this after reading the introduction, I had thought that Jews were more on the social realm of the repressed blacks in the south at the time. In fact, he even mentions how Jews were supportive of the white racial supremacy at the time and did not favor restrictions on Jim Crow laws, like many of the Northerns.
In chapter 8, Clive Webb further describes the kindred of the Blacks and Jews in the South during the late 19th- early 20th century. He specifically talks about the economic relations between the Blacks and Jews at the time. It seemed that Jews were economically motivated to a greater degree than their racial views, but to the same extent as the counter non-Jew white southerners. Monetary wealth seems to be an overwhelming motivation for white southerners at the time, and overrided to some extent racist views. (I am interested in what might cause the different racial views in the North vs. South. Is it different educated viewpoints? Or in the north industrial means of producing relied lesson the use of slavery as a means of wealth, whereas southern farming was still the primary means of production?)
I especially found the passage on how the Black’s were empathetic of the Jews to some extent for the suppression during the holocaust by Nazi Germany. I had not thought about many of the similarities between the two enslaved peoples, but now I can draw upon so many starching parallels of the abuse and suffering during the times of discrimination and persecution. It is almost to some extent heart warming to learn that despite being oppressed by white Jews, the Blacks felt considerate about their suffering.
It is interesting though to also compare the tension of the Northern and Sourthern Jews at the time. There were so many conflicts of interest between the two, prior to this course I had believed that the newly immigrated Jews to the new world were a unified religious entity, however, I’m slowly beginning to see that it seemed to be much more of a North vs. South battle of views in the 20th century.
Jewish Roots in Southern Soil: Chapter 6 & 8
I am officially loving this course. These chapters answered some of the questions I had mentioned in my first post, but also sparked my interest in other topics. I am so fascinated with the Jewish life in the south during the mid 19th to 20th century, a time when racism and religion were major societal identities. I want to know more about Jewish marginality during this time: How were Jews treated in the South? We’re they accepted? tolerated? rejected? Was the treatment and views of Jews in southern society universal for southern communities or differed for particular towns, urban vs. rural?
In chapter 6, Eric Goldstein explained how Jews arrived from either the north or central Europe in search for economic prosperity. Some of the shocking notions that Goldstein mentioned were that Jews were given most if not all of the civic priveledges as the whites. Prior to this after reading the introduction, I had thought that Jews were more on the social realm of the repressed blacks in the south at the time. In fact, he even mentions how Jews were supportive of the white racial supremacy at the time and did not favor restrictions on Jim Crow laws, like many of the Northerns.
In chapter 8, Clive Webb further describes the kindred of the Blacks and Jews in the South during the late 19th- early 20th century. He specifically talks about the economic relations between the Blacks and Jews at the time. It seemed that Jews were economically motivated to a greater degree than their racial views, but to the same extent as the counter non-Jew white southerners. Monetary wealth seems to be an overwhelming motivation for white southerners at the time, and overrided to some extent racist views. (I am interested in what might cause the different racial views in the North vs. South. Is it different educated viewpoints? Or in the north industrial means of producing relied lesson the use of slavery as a means of wealth, whereas southern farming was still the primary means of production?)
I especially found the passage on how the Black’s were empathetic of the Jews to some extent for the suppression during the holocaust by Nazi Germany. I had not thought about many of the similarities between the two enslaved peoples, but now I can draw upon so many starching parallels of the abuse and suffering during the times of discrimination and persecution. It is almost to some extent heart warming to learn that despite being oppressed by white Jews, the Blacks felt considerate about their suffering.
It is interesting though to also compare the tension of the Northern and Sourthern Jews at the time. There were so many conflicts of interest between the two, prior to this course I had believed that the newly immigrated Jews to the new world were a unified religious entity, however, I’m slowly beginning to see that it seemed to be much more of a North vs. South battle of views in the 20th century.
Blog #3
Chapter 4: Entering the Mainstream of Modern Jewish History: Peddlers and the American Jewish South By Hasia Diner
This chapter talked about the life and Jewish peddler at the time. To be honest, prior to this chapter, I had no clue what a peddler was. Learning now how common peddling was for southern Jews, I feel enlightened with knowledge about my ancestry. Jewish peddling was for many Jews the means to provide for their family. Jews by far had an advantage over the Peddling market, which lead so many Jews to the lifestyle. The talk about the dynamic lifestyle of peddling, where they would travel from town to town, trading goods and relying on families offering them a place to stay seemed to really strike me as interesting, but not shocking that the Jews dominated this lifestyle. Peddling required a great deal of schmoozing and an endearing, friendly personality. I find it funny and ironic that many of those personality traits seem to be a stereotype of Jews today. The term “NJB” (Nice Jewish Boy), for instance, seems to exemplify this.
The salesman yet nomadic nature of peddling despite the success it brought contributed to the negative stereotype of the “wandering Jew” as Diner states. This label essentially lead to many of the Jews to settle down in towns open up small businesses where they could sell goods and become merchants with a more stable lifestyle for raising a family.
Chapter 4: Entering the Mainstream of Modern Jewish History: Peddlers and the American Jewish South By Hasia Diner
This chapter talked about the life and Jewish peddler at the time. To be honest, prior to this chapter, I had no clue what a peddler was. Learning now how common peddling was for southern Jews, I feel enlightened with knowledge about my ancestry. Jewish peddling was for many Jews the means to provide for their family. Jews by far had an advantage over the Peddling market, which lead so many Jews to the lifestyle. The talk about the dynamic lifestyle of peddling, where they would travel from town to town, trading goods and relying on families offering them a place to stay seemed to really strike me as interesting, but not shocking that the Jews dominated this lifestyle. Peddling required a great deal of schmoozing and an endearing, friendly personality. I find it funny and ironic that many of those personality traits seem to be a stereotype of Jews today. The term “NJB” (Nice Jewish Boy), for instance, seems to exemplify this.
The salesman yet nomadic nature of peddling despite the success it brought contributed to the negative stereotype of the “wandering Jew” as Diner states. This label essentially lead to many of the Jews to settle down in towns open up small businesses where they could sell goods and become merchants with a more stable lifestyle for raising a family.
Blog #4
Jewish Roots in Southern Soil Chapter 5: Jewish Confederates By Robert Rosen
In this chapter Robert Rosen elucidates the long forgotten group of confederates; the Jews. Prior to this course I would have found the Jews’ southern white unity of support and loyalty to the confederacy in the 19th century to be shocking. Maybe that was because of my bias of being a Jew myself and failing to recognize the reality and ideals of a southern Jew. This chapter shed light on much of the Civil War history, one of which Southern Jews were very much a part of. Many Jews supported the Lost Cause, which greatly supported human slavery. I find it fascinating that many Jews placed state loyalty over their Jewish moral beliefs. I find it equally as interesting that Jews were the one minority group that the south was so tolerant and accepting of. Many of the recent immigrated Jews from Charleston, Richmond and Savannah volunteered to participate in the war. Enlisted men included Jewish businessmen, politicians, doctors and even rabbis.
Jewish Roots in Southern Soil Chapter 5: Jewish Confederates By Robert Rosen
In this chapter Robert Rosen elucidates the long forgotten group of confederates; the Jews. Prior to this course I would have found the Jews’ southern white unity of support and loyalty to the confederacy in the 19th century to be shocking. Maybe that was because of my bias of being a Jew myself and failing to recognize the reality and ideals of a southern Jew. This chapter shed light on much of the Civil War history, one of which Southern Jews were very much a part of. Many Jews supported the Lost Cause, which greatly supported human slavery. I find it fascinating that many Jews placed state loyalty over their Jewish moral beliefs. I find it equally as interesting that Jews were the one minority group that the south was so tolerant and accepting of. Many of the recent immigrated Jews from Charleston, Richmond and Savannah volunteered to participate in the war. Enlisted men included Jewish businessmen, politicians, doctors and even rabbis.
Blog #5
The Jew Store by Stella Suberman
What a great memoir about a Jewish families life set in Concordia, Tennessee during the 20’s. Father Aaron Bronson, a Russian Jew who immigrated and lived in NYC despite his wives objection set out to move his family to Concordia, Tennesse where he would open his own small dry good store. The town is described as remote, quiet and tiny. The Bronson family is the first and only Jewish family to settle in Concordia and for that they face many obstacles.
The children deal with many questions about their religion from their peers, however, none the less they do make good friends with their non-Jewish peers. It is fascinating seeing this normal Jewish family assimilate to the small southern town, Concordia. Suberman really captures the family emotions and makes the story very engaging.
Contrary to previous readings, this memoir seems to take a more subtle approach. The anti-Semitism the Bronson family experience seems more subtle than the other chapters we have read in Jewish Roots in Southern Soil. The Bronson family appears to face less outright discrimination but more of an unfamiliarity of Jewishness.
I especially found the contradictions between the mother, Reba and the father Aaron’s personality and attitudes to be interesting. Whereas Reba appears nervous and anxious about being Jewish and the affect it has on her children’s, Aaron is bubbly and optimistic throughout. Aaron has such high aspirations for his business and wants his children to have an easy American life. He seems nonchalant about their Jewish minority religion, whereas Reba seems so fixated on her children being marginalized for their heritage, and loosing touch with their religious values. Aaron’s bright-eyed contagious attitude lead to the success and flourishing of his small dry goods store, despite being the only Jewish residents. As the story is told, it becomes interesting to see the struggle of importance faced between hold on to religious values, community values, American values, and family values.
The Jew Store by Stella Suberman
What a great memoir about a Jewish families life set in Concordia, Tennessee during the 20’s. Father Aaron Bronson, a Russian Jew who immigrated and lived in NYC despite his wives objection set out to move his family to Concordia, Tennesse where he would open his own small dry good store. The town is described as remote, quiet and tiny. The Bronson family is the first and only Jewish family to settle in Concordia and for that they face many obstacles.
The children deal with many questions about their religion from their peers, however, none the less they do make good friends with their non-Jewish peers. It is fascinating seeing this normal Jewish family assimilate to the small southern town, Concordia. Suberman really captures the family emotions and makes the story very engaging.
Contrary to previous readings, this memoir seems to take a more subtle approach. The anti-Semitism the Bronson family experience seems more subtle than the other chapters we have read in Jewish Roots in Southern Soil. The Bronson family appears to face less outright discrimination but more of an unfamiliarity of Jewishness.
I especially found the contradictions between the mother, Reba and the father Aaron’s personality and attitudes to be interesting. Whereas Reba appears nervous and anxious about being Jewish and the affect it has on her children’s, Aaron is bubbly and optimistic throughout. Aaron has such high aspirations for his business and wants his children to have an easy American life. He seems nonchalant about their Jewish minority religion, whereas Reba seems so fixated on her children being marginalized for their heritage, and loosing touch with their religious values. Aaron’s bright-eyed contagious attitude lead to the success and flourishing of his small dry goods store, despite being the only Jewish residents. As the story is told, it becomes interesting to see the struggle of importance faced between hold on to religious values, community values, American values, and family values.
Blog #6
Eli Evans: The Provincials- A Personal History of Jews in the South (part 1)
Eli Evans powerfully explores the impact of Jews in the American South communities. Jewish immigrants of the North dominate most of the historical recognition of Jewish Immigrants, however, Eli breaks from this by telling the story of the southern Jews’ impact on southern culture, which has been so undermined. The book is focused in the 1950s in a small Jewish city, Durham. Eli sheds light on the southern Jewry by talking about his personal experience as a Jewish southerner.
Eli Evan’s life is very interesting to me as he lived a very privileged life. He came from a family of politicians and businessmen, which was unique for Jews in the south. I found Eli’s identity struggles easy to relate to.
“My ambition was to marry a cheerleader and go into my family business. I didn’t really know any other Southern boys who didn’t have the same ambition. Yet the story of the Jews in the South is the story of fathers who built businesses to give to their sons who didn’t want them.”
I feel for Eli on a personal level because I understand the struggle of wanting to impress and support your parents, but also wanting to follow your own life goals and desires.
I am very curious how Eli’s life turns out.. Does Eli pursue his passion and attend law school, or fall trapped into his father’s business?
Eli Evans: The Provincials- A Personal History of Jews in the South (part 1)
Eli Evans powerfully explores the impact of Jews in the American South communities. Jewish immigrants of the North dominate most of the historical recognition of Jewish Immigrants, however, Eli breaks from this by telling the story of the southern Jews’ impact on southern culture, which has been so undermined. The book is focused in the 1950s in a small Jewish city, Durham. Eli sheds light on the southern Jewry by talking about his personal experience as a Jewish southerner.
Eli Evan’s life is very interesting to me as he lived a very privileged life. He came from a family of politicians and businessmen, which was unique for Jews in the south. I found Eli’s identity struggles easy to relate to.
“My ambition was to marry a cheerleader and go into my family business. I didn’t really know any other Southern boys who didn’t have the same ambition. Yet the story of the Jews in the South is the story of fathers who built businesses to give to their sons who didn’t want them.”
I feel for Eli on a personal level because I understand the struggle of wanting to impress and support your parents, but also wanting to follow your own life goals and desires.
I am very curious how Eli’s life turns out.. Does Eli pursue his passion and attend law school, or fall trapped into his father’s business?