Modern Jewish History Readings
Modern Jewish History Readings “ A Girl wasn’t much”
- Eastern European women had paradoxical roles. Homemaker but responsible for economics of the family
- Women’s work was considered to be important, but as a sex they are inferior
- Allowed them to work outside of the home, but their massive amount of responsibilities limited them from pursuing higher education
- Breadwinners partners in the family, second class citizens in the larger society
- Not foreign to workplace when came to America
- Working for jewish woman was a religious obligation as well
- Lived in semiautonomous jewish communities- had own law
- Religious study was the greatest thing a man could do
- Women status depend on their husbands status
- It was a great honor to serve as a rabbi or learned mans wife. She might even become his footstool in heaven
- Confined to domestic and economic- could not partake in religious posts and so had no place of authority outside the home
- They recognized a woman’s sexual power- ability to corrupt a man
- Live in separate societies call pale settlements
- Were not allowed to work the land- any jew
- Daughters worked in the shop
- If owned a business They worked for themselves, found pride and security in this- honorable too. Business was also associated with intellect- most desirable job
- Domestic service was one of the lowest occupations- esp if worked with food or leather
- This notion on domestic and service work was considered different in w. Europe, more respected- prepared for future martial duties
- Prostitutes the lowest- brothels even in villages
Mother and Daughters, Remaking the Jewish Economy in America
- Molly and rose- E. European immigrants coming to America
- Many young girls came to America, some even payed their own way. Many lied and said they were over sixteen to be admitted.
- Afraid of being kidnapped into prostitution rings- which did exist- white slavery
- Even immigrant officers were weary of their safety
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- Eastern European women had paradoxical roles. Homemaker but responsible for economics of the family
- Women’s work was considered to be important, but as a sex they are inferior
- Allowed them to work outside of the home, but their massive amount of responsibilities limited them from pursuing higher education
- Breadwinners partners in the family, second class citizens in the larger society
- Not foreign to workplace when came to America
- Working for jewish woman was a religious obligation as well
- Lived in semiautonomous jewish communities- had own law
- Religious study was the greatest thing a man could do
- Women status depend on their husbands status
- It was a great honor to serve as a rabbi or learned mans wife. She might even become his footstool in heaven
- Confined to domestic and economic- could not partake in religious posts and so had no place of authority outside the home
- They recognized a woman’s sexual power- ability to corrupt a man
- Live in separate societies call pale settlements
- Were not allowed to work the land- any jew
- Daughters worked in the shop
- If owned a business They worked for themselves, found pride and security in this- honorable too. Business was also associated with intellect- most desirable job
- Domestic service was one of the lowest occupations- esp if worked with food or leather
- This notion on domestic and service work was considered different in w. Europe, more respected- prepared for future martial duties
- Prostitutes the lowest- brothels even in villages
Mother and Daughters, Remaking the Jewish Economy in America
- Molly and rose- E. European immigrants coming to America
- Many young girls came to America, some even payed their own way. Many lied and said they were over sixteen to be admitted.
- Afraid of being kidnapped into prostitution rings- which did exist- white slavery
- Even immigrant officers were weary of their safety
-