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Time for another #JewishHistory book thread. Here are some recent reads that I enjoyed. I can’t recommend all of these for everyone, but hopefully everyone will find something here that speaks to them:
Palestine Posts is the real time account of Mordecai Chertoff, a young aspiring journalist who travels to Palestine and is an eyewitness to the birth of the State of Israel. Enjoyed this one a lot!
Fascinating, entertaining and riddled with errors, this story of a Rabbi’s journey from Slabodka to Hell’s Kitchen, written by his daughter, novelist Ann Birstein, makes for an interesting read.
This classic memoir, written by a member of R’ Chaim Volozhiner’s family is a revealing window into life in a 19th century shtetl. The author introduces the reader to a multitude of fascinating characters and plots which really bring the story alive.
Prof. Mikhal Dekel does a fantastic job telling one of the war’s forgotten stories. An informative yet highly enjoyable read which I’d strongly recommend to all readers of Jewish History!
From Blumka’s Kloiz to Volozhin and onwards to Texas, Alexander Gurwitz’s story is quite worthy of telling. Kudos to @UnivofALPress for publishing this gem, This is a must-read memoir!
Holocaust historian Michael Dobbs takes readers on an emotional journey as he shares some of the sad truths about American inaction during the darkest of times. One of the best books ever written on this well-covered, important topic.
Former OSS Investigator David Marxwell knows the Mengele story as well as anyone on earth. How close did they come to catching the Angel of Death? This book will keep you glued as it dispels some common myths and reveals some Holocaust facts that will shock you.
A former Yeshiva Bochur turned Marxist and Yiddish Poet, Joseph Rolnick’s life was one of turmoil, loneliness and illness. This memoir is as real as it gets. Bonus points for the vivid memories of his time spent at the Mir Yeshiva.
The Last Kings of Shanghai is the story of of the Jewish Far East and the powerful families that built it up. The Kadoories and Sassoons share an important place in Jewish History and their rise and eventual fall is certainly worth learning about.
A forgotten “Maggid”
who rightfully earned his place in the history books spares few details as he reminisces about his life traveling the world on behalf of the fledgling Religous Zionist movement. Hard to find, but worth the effort.
who rightfully earned his place in the history books spares few details as he reminisces about his life traveling the world on behalf of the fledgling Religous Zionist movement. Hard to find, but worth the effort.
Marienbad was much more than just the site of the 3rd Knesssiah Gedolah. Lots of great stories, tidbits & photos in this wonderful volume on one of Europe’s most popular resort towns.
A great selection from the crowded genre of Holocaust memoirs, this one is special for its vivid account of life in pre-war Europe, where the author learnt in Yeshivas like Lomza and Kletzk. Has some key mistakes that should be corrected.
