Title: The modernization of French Jewry : consistory and community in the nineteenth century /
Authors: Albert, Phyllis Cohen.
Publisher: Brandeis University Press ; distributed by University Press of New England,
Year: 1977
Subjects: Judaism France History.; Jews France Politics and government.; France Politics and government
Abstract: A social and institutional study of nineteenth-century French Jewry during the neglected period between Napoleon and Dreyfus, this is also the first comprehensive account of the Jewish consistory- the largest and most important institution of the French Jewish community. The author first details the demographic and economic position of the Jews, official an unofficial institutions, competing ideologies, internal politics, and social development. She then discusses the interplay between rabbinic and lay power in the community and analyzes the social status and educational and economic background of recruits both to the rabbinate and to the lay leadership. The consistory's method of operation, its achievements, and its ideological stance on controversial issues are examined. The book utilizes material hitherto untapped, to produce a comprehensive account of a major aspect of Jewish social history.
Contents: Pt. 1: Demographical background ; Population levels and changes in geographic distribution ; Socio-economic situation -- Pt. 2: The consistory and the community ; The consististory: a general description - Organization of the consistories - Three functions prescribed by law -- Three functions not assigned by the legislation -- Power and control -- The Rabbinate -- Lay-Rabbinic struggle -- Summary and conculsions -- Appendix A. Demographical data : population tables and lists of occupations -- Appendix B. Texts of the major legislation regulating the consistories -- Appendix C. Circular of the Central Consistory, March 12, 1846, containing nine questions on reforming Judaism.