The renaissance of Jewish culture in Weimar Germany
By: Michael Brenner.
Publisher: Yale University Press
Published: 1996
Place of publication: New Haven, Conn
Language: eng
Number of pages: 306
Subjects: Jews -- Germany -- Intellectual life; Germany -- Intellectual life -- 20th century
Description: 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 Welmar 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.

Brenner's work, while bringing this significant historical period to life, illuminates contemporary 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.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 261-288) and index.