Introduction

Originally published in 1976, this monumental volume is a study of one of the major migrations of modern times – the result of which has been significantly to alter the history of the United States and of the whole Middle East. In researching this volume, the author drew on many different sources, including the rich materials of the Yiddish press and the vast number of memoirs written in both English and Yiddish.

Content Overview

The book traces the historical, cultural and social experience of the immigrant Jews to New York in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who came mainly from Eastern Europe. It covers many aspects of Jewish life in New York – the early years on the East side, Jewish children in American schools, the growth of Yiddish-speaking socialist movements and trade unions, the passion for learning which animated this culture and Yiddish culture in its many manifestations.