Description
Book SynopsisIlluminates the history of the many Jewish communities that lived in predominantly Muslim lands before European colonialism and the emergence of Zionism and Arab nationalism led to mass departures of Jews in the mid-20th century, offering a unique perspective, from within, on the historical background of some of the most vexing problems of the modern Middle East.
Trade Review"A rich and varied collection of texts with enlightening commentary."
* International Journal of Middle East Studies *
"A delightful book, full of erudition and charm. . . . It captures the spirit of the time. . . . A marvelous work of tapestry."
-- François Furet * Le Nouvel Observateur *
"Rodrigue’s book gives us a picture of the complex worlds of Sephardic Jewry. . . . [It] is unsurpassed in breadth, vividness, candor, and historical insight."
-- Michael Berkowitz * History of European Ideas *
"The unique contribution of Aron Rodrigue’s book is that it provides contemporary images of Jewish life in the Middle Eastern and North African countries during 1860–1939. These descriptions were made by Jews who stayed with these communities for long periods of time or at least were well acquainted with them. Throughout the book Rodrigue places the changing conditions of these communities within the global framework that was instrumental in shaping this transition."
* Contemporary Jewry *
"Rodrigue provides insight into the life of Jewish communities in Iraq, Iran, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, Palestine, Algeria, Turkey, Egypt, and Greece. The letters touch upon the internal structure of these Jewish communities, their relations with their Muslim neighbors as well as the local government, their attitude towards European colonial influence, the impact of Zionism on them, and the increasing clash between Zionist and Alliance discourses. . . . Should be read by anyone with a keen interest in the history of the Middle East, Jews in the Middle East, and Orientalism."
* MESA Bulletin *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
A Note on the Documents
Map
Introduction
An Overview of the Alliance's Activities
PART ONE THE SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS OF THE ALLIANCE ISRAELITE UNIVERSELLE
Instruction in the Alliance Schools
The Alliance Teaching Corps
PART TWO THE DISCOURSE OF THE ALLIANCE TEACHERS AND THE "CIVILIZING" OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITIES IN THE LANDS OF ISLAM
The Moralizing Agenda
The Emancipation and Reformation of Women
The Transformation of the Social Structure of the Jewish Community
The Critique of Traditional Judaism
The War of Languages
A Portrait of the Communities
The Impact of the West and the Alliance Schools
PART THREE THE ALLIANCE TEACHER AS POLITICAL ACTIVIST AND POLITICAL OBSERVER
The Task of Protection
The Teacher as Patriot and Advocate of the Jews
The Age of Nationalism
Conclusion
Glossary
Bibliography
Index of Personal Names
Index of Place Names
