Christian Wilhelm Dohm's 'The Jews, A History'
Christian Wilhelm Dohm, the Prussian bureaucrat gave rise to debate and controversy on the argument of Jewish emancipation. He was determined to transform the Jews in a way that would make them more useful in society. His ideas greatly influenced Jewish life during the age of Enlightenment.
Instead of blaming the Jewish difference on inherent Jewish culture or religion, Dohm believed historically Jews have not been treated well. In the textbook The Jews, A History it states, in Dohms opinion, “nothing was inherently wrong with the Jews that would prevent them from fulfilling their obligations to the state. If Christians treated them well, then Jews respond in kind” Dohms concluded that the reason for the “moral corruption” of Jews was due to the poor treatment they received.
Dohm wanted to create better living standards for the Jewish community, he believed by removing restrictions on Jews they would become “better” citizens. In the text The Jews, A History, it states “His argument that the Jews be emancipated was intended to make them “happier, better people, more useful members of society” Dohm proposed numerous ideas to bring about the “moral improvement” of Jews. He desired to abolish economic …show more content…
restrictions on the Jews and encourage them to work in professions with least access to corruption. He was convinced petty trade led to corrupt behavior.
In 1782, the emperor Joseph ll, issued his Edict of Toleration, which implemented many of Dohms ideas.
They both shared the major idea that if the Jews were treated better they would respond in kind. In the text The Jews, A History it states, “Joseph ll issued his Edict of Toleration, which sought to ”make the Jewish nation useful and serviceable to the state mainly through better education and enlightenment of its youth…”the edict promised many social benefits to Jews” Dohms belief in removing restrictions on the Jews was implemented by Joseph lls edict of abolishing laws forcing Jews to wear distinctive clothing and laws prohibiting them exiting their homes on certain days. Joseph ll ideas were more based on the reformation of Jewish education to better fit
society.
The programs to reform the Jews was supported by some members in the Jewish community. Jews supported the idea of equal rights and fair treatment but most Jews denounced the ideas of the changing of Jewish culture and education. During the age of enlightenment Jewish Life was mainly transformed through liberty rather than culturally. An example to the support of Jewish education reform was Naftali Herz Wessely, he believed education change would enhance Jewish appreciation of divine teachings. Many rabbits were very critical of his ideas.
Finally, we can see the implications of Dohms ideas during the age of Enlightenment. His ideas impacted leaders that lead to the emancipation of Jews in Europe. The Jewish community received basic liberties that transformed their lives and lead to better living standards in the years to come.
Instead of blaming the Jewish difference on inherent Jewish culture or religion, Dohm believed historically Jews have not been treated well. In the textbook The Jews, A History it states, in Dohms opinion, “nothing was inherently wrong with the Jews that would prevent them from fulfilling their obligations to the state. If Christians treated them well, then Jews respond in kind” Dohms concluded that the reason for the “moral corruption” of Jews was due to the poor treatment they received.
Dohm wanted to create better living standards for the Jewish community, he believed by removing restrictions on Jews they would become “better” citizens. In the text The Jews, A History, it states “His argument that the Jews be emancipated was intended to make them “happier, better people, more useful members of society” Dohm proposed numerous ideas to bring about the “moral improvement” of Jews. He desired to abolish economic …show more content…
restrictions on the Jews and encourage them to work in professions with least access to corruption. He was convinced petty trade led to corrupt behavior.
In 1782, the emperor Joseph ll, issued his Edict of Toleration, which implemented many of Dohms ideas.
They both shared the major idea that if the Jews were treated better they would respond in kind. In the text The Jews, A History it states, “Joseph ll issued his Edict of Toleration, which sought to ”make the Jewish nation useful and serviceable to the state mainly through better education and enlightenment of its youth…”the edict promised many social benefits to Jews” Dohms belief in removing restrictions on the Jews was implemented by Joseph lls edict of abolishing laws forcing Jews to wear distinctive clothing and laws prohibiting them exiting their homes on certain days. Joseph ll ideas were more based on the reformation of Jewish education to better fit
society.
The programs to reform the Jews was supported by some members in the Jewish community. Jews supported the idea of equal rights and fair treatment but most Jews denounced the ideas of the changing of Jewish culture and education. During the age of enlightenment Jewish Life was mainly transformed through liberty rather than culturally. An example to the support of Jewish education reform was Naftali Herz Wessely, he believed education change would enhance Jewish appreciation of divine teachings. Many rabbits were very critical of his ideas.
Finally, we can see the implications of Dohms ideas during the age of Enlightenment. His ideas impacted leaders that lead to the emancipation of Jews in Europe. The Jewish community received basic liberties that transformed their lives and lead to better living standards in the years to come.