Haskalah: The Romantic Movement in Judaism by Olga Litvak

Olga Litvak's 'Haskalah' offers a groundbreaking perspective on the Jewish Enlightenment, arguing that it was not a product of Western Europe's age of reason but rather a religious revival influenced by Eastern European Romanticism. Through meticulous analysis of primary sources, Litvak presents a compelling case for rethinking the relationship between the Haskalah and the experience of political and social emancipation. She challenges the prevailing view that the Haskalah provided the philosophical mainspring for Jewish liberalism, instead positioning it as a conservative approach to culture that addressed the spiritual ills of the modern individual./n/n Litvak's ambitious interpretation reveals how nineteenth-century Eastern European intellectuals authored a Jewish Romantic revolution, grappling with the moral costs of civic equality and middle-class status. Their ideas, which questioned the ramifications of secularization for the future of Judaism, remain resonant in contemporary debates. This work not only redefines the Haskalah but also provides a powerful argument for the development of Jewish nationalism.

Reviews

The Storygraph · 2020-01-01

transformative 4.50

The Haskalah is portrayed as a transformative movement that propelled Jews into modern life. The book is praised for its insightful analysis and clarity.

This review emphasizes the transformative nature of the Haskalah, arguing that it was a pivotal movement that helped Jews transition into modern life. The book is commended for its insightful analysis and clarity, making it accessible and engaging for readers. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the research and the way Litvak presents complex ideas in a clear and compelling manner. The work is seen as a valuable contribution to the understanding of Jewish history and the Haskalah's role within it.

Quick quotes

Commonly translated as the 'Jewish Enlightenment,' the Haskalah propelled Jews into modern life.

Olga Litvak argues that the idea of a Jewish modernity.

Litvak parses a monumental and misunderstood intellectual movement.

Cambridge Core · I Bartal · 2014-01-01

comprehensive 4.25

The book challenges existing research and offers a fresh perspective on the Haskalah, integrating new findings. It is praised for its depth and clarity in discussing a broad range of works.

In this review, I Bartal commends Olga Litvak for her comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the Haskalah. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the field, challenging some of the established views and integrating new research findings. Bartal appreciates the clarity and depth with which Litvak discusses a wide range of works, making the book a valuable resource for anyone interested in Jewish studies. The review suggests that Litvak's work sheds new light on the Haskalah, helping readers to better understand its complexities and significance.

Quick quotes

Olga Litvak's book challenges certain segments of the research literature of the past thirty years, integrates new findings into this literature, and revisits.

Litvak parses a monumental and misunderstood intellectual movement.

Her study sheds insight and clarity on a broad range of works (Hebrew, Yiddish and Russian).

Academia.edu · 2012-01-01

insightful 4.00

The Haskalah is portrayed as a complex and evolving discourse, not just a precursor to modern Jewish movements. The work challenges traditional views and integrates new findings into the existing literature.

This review highlights how the Haskalah is often misunderstood as merely a stepping stone to modern Jewish movements. Instead, the author argues that it is a rich, evolving discourse that deserves to be studied in its own right. The work integrates new research findings and challenges some of the traditional views that have dominated the field for the past few decades. It's a fresh perspective that invites readers to reconsider the Haskalah's significance and its role in Jewish history.

Quick quotes

The author contends that the Haskalah should not be viewed merely as a precursor to modern Jewish movements but rather as a complex and evolving discourse.

This work reevaluates the Haskalah movement in Judaism, suggesting that it emerged not within the secularizing framework commonly attributed to it.

Olga Litvak's book challenges certain segments of the research literature of the past thirty years, integrates new findings into this literature, and revisits.

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