Nathan Birnbaum and Jewish Modernity

Architect of Zionism, Yiddishism, and Orthodoxy

Nonfiction, History, Jewish
Cover of the book Nathan Birnbaum and Jewish Modernity by Jess Olson, Stanford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jess Olson ISBN: 9780804785006
Publisher: Stanford University Press Publication: January 9, 2013
Imprint: Stanford University Press Language: English
Author: Jess Olson
ISBN: 9780804785006
Publisher: Stanford University Press
Publication: January 9, 2013
Imprint: Stanford University Press
Language: English

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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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.

More books from Stanford University Press

Cover of the book Irrationality in Health Care by Jess Olson
Cover of the book In Praise of Nonsense by Jess Olson
Cover of the book Cleansing Honor with Blood by Jess Olson
Cover of the book Measuring Up by Jess Olson
Cover of the book To Save the Children of Korea by Jess Olson
Cover of the book A Covenant of Creatures by Jess Olson
Cover of the book The Lebanese Connection by Jess Olson
Cover of the book The HP Phenomenon by Jess Olson
Cover of the book Alchemical Mercury by Jess Olson
Cover of the book Selling under the Swastika by Jess Olson
Cover of the book Newsworthy by Jess Olson
Cover of the book Souffles-Anfas by Jess Olson
Cover of the book Reconfiguring Islamic Tradition by Jess Olson
Cover of the book Between Law and Diplomacy by Jess Olson
Cover of the book Uneasy Partnerships by Jess Olson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy