The renaissance of Jewish culture in Weimar Germany Verlagsinfo: Although Jewish participation in German society increased after World War I Jews did not completely assimilate into that society. In fact says Michael Brenner in this intriguing book the Jewish population of Weimar Germany became more aware of its Jewishness and created new forms of German Jewish culture in literature music fine arts education and scholarship. Brenner presents the first in depth study of this culture drawing a fascinating portrait of people in the midst of redefining themselves. The Weimar Jews chose neither a radical break with the past nor a return to the past but instead dressed Jewish traditions in the garb of modern forms of cultural expression. Brenner describes for example how modern translations made classic Jewish texts accessible Jewish museums displayed ceremonial artifacts in a secular framework musical arrangements transformed synagogue liturgy for concert audiences and popular novels recalled aspects of the Jewish past. Brenners work while bringing this significant historical period to life illuminates contemporary Jewish issues. The preservation and even enhancement of Jewish distinctiveness combined with the seemingly successful participation of Jews in a secular non Jewish society offer fresh insight into modern questions of Jewish existence identity and integration into other cultures.