German Jews and the Persistence of Jewish Identity in Conversion: Writing the Jewish Self

This book explores the fraught aftermath of the German Jewish conversionary experience through the story of one family, tracing the impact of a contested Jewish identity on the deconstruction and reconstruction of the Jewish self. It proposes a new cultural history that challenges conventional boundaries of what is Jewish and what is not.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 23 August 2021
Publisher: De Gruyter

This captivating book delves into the intricate and emotionally charged aftermath of the German Jewish conversionary experience, shedding light on the profound impact it had on one family as they navigated the complexities of their Jewish origins in a post-Holocaust, post-conversionary world. Through the lens of a single family, the author employs a rich array of archival family texts and extensive interviews spanning three generations, beginning with the German Jewish parents who fled to escape the horrors of the Holocaust in the 1940s. By engaging the insights of contemporary scholars, the book intricately traces the profound effects of a contested Jewish identity on the deconstruction and reconstruction of the Jewish self.

The Holocaust emerges as a haunting post-memory, resonating deeply within the family's narrative. The authors' parents, who embody the essence of German Jewish culture, play a pivotal role in their quest for identity. Their experiences during the Holocaust and their unwavering commitment to their Jewish faith lead to a profound retrieval of a lost Jewish identity, one that is both postmodern and deeply personal. This newfound identity reinforces the notion that Judaism is, at its core, a family affair, transcending traditional boundaries and encompassing a diverse range of experiences and perspectives.

By focusing on the personal, the book offers a fresh and innovative approach to understanding a complex historical phenomenon. It challenges the conventional boundaries of what constitutes Jewishness and invites readers to explore the rich tapestry of Jewish culture and history. Through its compelling storytelling and insightful analysis, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of cultural history, offering a new perspective on the enduring legacy of the German Jewish conversionary experience.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 230 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110737226