Jacobs, Jack Lester, Yivo Institute for Jewish Research, Jacobs, Jack Lester, and Yivo Institute for Jewish Research
Subjects
Jewish socialists--Poland--History--20th century, Jewish youth--Poland--Societies and clubs--History--20th century, and Jews--Poland--Social conditions--20th century
Abstract
In the years between the two world wars, the Jewish community of Poland—the largest in Europe—was the cultural heart of the Jewish diaspora. The Jewish Workers'Bund, which had a socialist, secularist, Yiddishist, and anti-Zionist orientation, won a series of important electoral battles in Poland on the eve of the Second World War and became a major political party. While many earlier works on the politics of Polish Jewry have suggested that Bundist victories were not of lasting significance or attributable to outside forces, Jack Jacobs argues convincingly that the electoral success of the Bund was linked to the work of the constellation of cultural and other organizations revolving around the party. The Bund offered its constituents innovative, highly attractive, programs and a more enlightened perspective: from new sexual mores to sporting organizations and educational institutions. Drawing on meticulously researched archival materials, Jacobs shows how the growth of these successful programs translated into a stronger, more robust party. At the same time, he suggests the Bund's limitations, highlighting its failed women's movement. Jacobs provides a fascinating account of this countercultural movement and a thoughtful revision to the accepted view.
Jacobs, Jack Lester, 1953- and Jacobs, Jack Lester, 1953-
Subjects
Ogólny Żydowski Związek Robotniczy "Bund" w Polsce -- History., Jews -- Poland -- Social conditions -- 20th century., Jewish youth -- Poland -- Societies and clubs -- History -- 20th century., Jewish socialists -- Poland -- History -- 20th century., and History.
Abstract
"In the years between the two world wars, the Jewish community of Poland - the largest in Europe - was the cultural heart of the Jewish diaspora. The Jewish Workers' Bund, which had a socialist, secularist, Yiddishist, and anti-Zionist orientation, won a series of important electoral battles in Poland on the eve of the Second World War and became a major political party. While many earlier works on the politics of Polish Jewry have suggested that Bundist victories were not of lasting significance or attributable to outside forces, Jack Jacobs argues convincingly that the electoral success of the Bund was linked to the work of the constellation of cultural and other organizations revolving around the party. The Bund offered its constituents innovative, highly attractive, programs and a more enlightened perspective: from new sexual mores to sporting organizations and educational institutions. Drawing on meticulously researched archival materials, Jacobs shows how the growth of these successful programs translated into a stronger, more robust party. At the same time, he suggests the Bund's limitations, highlighting its failed women's movement. Jacobs provides a fascinating account of this countercultural movement and a thoughtful revision to the accepted view."--Jacket.
Jews -- Poland -- Social conditions -- 20th century, Jewish youth -- Poland -- Societies and clubs -- History -- 20th century, Jewish socialists -- Poland -- History -- 20th century, Poland -- Ethnic relations, Ogólny Zydowski Zwiazek Robotniczy “Bund” w Polsce -- History, Anthropology, and History
Abstract
In the years between the two world wars, the Jewish community of Poland—the largest in Europe—was the cultural heart of the Jewish diaspora. The Jewish Workers’ Bund, which had a socialist, secularist, Yiddishist, and anti-Zionist orientation, won a series of important electoral battles in Poland on the eve of the Second World War and became a major political party. While many earlier works on the politics of Polish Jewry have suggested that Bundist victories were not of lasting significance or attributable to outside forces, Jack Jacobs argues convincingly that the electoral success of the Bund was linked to the work of the constellation of cultural and other organizations revolving around the party. The Bund offered its constituents innovative, highly attractive, programs and a more enlightened perspective: from new sexual mores to sporting organizations and educational institutions. Drawing on meticulously researched archival materials, Jacobs shows how the growth of these successful programs translated into a stronger, more robust party. At the same time, he suggests the Bund’s limitations, highlighting its failed women’s movement. Jacobs provides a fascinating account of this countercultural movement and a thoughtful revision to the accepted view.
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