Yiddish Paris: Staging Nation and Community in Interwar France

In the 1920s and 1930s, Yiddish-speaking emigrants from Eastern Europe established a Yiddish diaspora nation in Western Europe, with the help of culture makers who created cultural and scholarly organizations and institutions. This study explores how these left-wing Jews insisted on remaining a distinct group while creating a French-inflected version of Jewish diaspora nationalism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 19 February 2022
Publisher: Indiana University Press

Yiddish Paris delves into the captivating story of Yiddish-speaking emigrants from Eastern Europe who settled in Paris during the 1920s and 1930s. Through meticulous research, author Nicholas Underwood unveils the remarkable tale of how these immigrants forged a Yiddish diaspora nation in Western Europe, presenting it to themselves and the world. This comprehensive and groundbreaking study is the first of its kind to explore interwar Yiddish culture in France.

In his book, Underwood argues that the emergence of a Yiddish Paris was intricately linked to the efforts of culture makers, primarily left-wing Jews with Socialist and Communist backgrounds. These individuals established cultural and scholarly organizations, including the French branch of YIVO (a research institution dedicated to East European Jews), theater troupes, choruses, and a pavilion at the Paris World's Fair of 1937.

Yiddish Paris explores how these left-wing Yiddish-speaking Jews, despite facing the challenges of assimilation in France, fiercely maintained their distinct identity as part of a transnational Yiddish-speaking Jewish nation. They sought to establish a presence in France while also finding allies among French intellectuals, largely on the left. This unique fusion of cultures resulted in the creation of a French-inflected version of Jewish diaspora nationalism.

Through vivid anecdotes and detailed analysis, Underwood sheds light on the social, cultural, and intellectual landscape of Yiddish Paris. He explores the vibrant Yiddish language, literature, and theater that thrived in the city, as well as the organizations and institutions that played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Yiddish culture. The book also delves into the complex relationship between Yiddish speakers and the broader French society, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities they faced.

Yiddish Paris offers a valuable contribution to the study of Jewish culture, immigration, and identity. It sheds light on the ways in which individuals and communities navigate the complexities of cultural preservation and adaptation in a changing world. By examining the experiences of Yiddish-speaking emigrants in Paris, the book provides insights into the broader phenomenon of Jewish diasporas and their contributions to global culture.

In conclusion, Yiddish Paris is a must-read for anyone interested in history, culture, and the intersection of languages and identities. Through its rich narrative and insightful analysis, the book offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of cultural heritage and the power of cultural creation.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253059796