Description
Book SynopsisThis book consists of a series of investigations into the cultural and behavioral patterns of east European immigrant Jews known to promote health and prevent disease beginning in the late 19th and into the 20th centuries. Drawing on data pointing to health as an economic commodity, leading to economic strength and social development, the author suggests that the high value accorded to health played a role in the relative economic prosperity of American Jews. The book explores the implications of good health as a source of human capital worthy of investment and its significance for recent immigrants.
Trade Review“Jacob Jay Lindenthal’s exploration of the historic linkage of Jews, health, and the American experience is boldly provocative. Having created a rich database to chart the disease experience of American Jews from 1874 to 1904, the author uses his data and a rich array of other sources to argue that Jews unique concern with health and healthy behaviors yielded their marked economic success following migration. His intriguing thesis should attract general readers even as it fuels rich scholarly debate among historians of American medicine, immigrant assimilation, and American Jewish life.” -- Alan M. Kraut, American University, Professor of History, author of Silent Travelers: Germs, Genes, and the “Immigrant Menace”
Table of ContentsForeword
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1. Halacha—The Foundation of Jewish Law and Life
Chapter 2. Education and Literacy: the Path to Good Health
Social Support
Chapter 3. Charity—Das Jüdische Herz
Chapter 4. Family First
Health-Related Behaviors
Chapter 5. Childrearing Practices and Attitudes
Chapter 6. Alcoholism Among the Jews
Human Capital
Chapter 7. Housing and Jobs in the New World—Health Against All Odds
Implications
Chapter 8. Socioeconomic Status and Health
Chapter 9. Health, Culture, and Wealth
Appendix I
Infant Mortality
Maternal Mortality
Maternal Age
Birth Intervals
Breastfeeding and Infant Mortality
Housing Congestion
Maternal Employment During Pregnancy
Appendix II
Sources Corroborating Comparatively Low Rates of Tuberculosis Among Jews in Eastern Europe
Sources Corroborating Comparatively Low Rates of Infection Among Jews
Sources Corroborating Comparatively Low Rates of Influenza Among Jews
Sources Corroborating Comparatively Low Rates of Typhoid Fever Among Jews
Sources Corroborating Comparatively Low Rates of Mortality Associated with Whooping Cough, Scarlet Fever, and Measles Among Jews
Sources Corroborating Comparatively Low Rates of Syphilis Among Jews
Sources Corroborating Alcohol Consumption Among Jews
Appendix III
Additional Reading
