Description
Book SynopsisPresents the 1935 autobiography of Alexander Ziskind Gurwitz, an Orthodox Jew whose lively recounting of his life in Tsarist Russia and his immigration to San Antonio, Texas, in 1910 captures turbulent changes in early twentieth-century Jewish history.
Trade Review“The text itself is an insightful description of events experienced in a life lived in great extremes. . . . Gurwitz’s recollections of his days in Europe give the reader insight into a world lost to Nazi destruction. Thankfully, Bryan Stone’s commentary adds an explanative background such that the reader gains an understanding of the interaction of ideas of the times. In as much as Jewish life in Texas is still very much yet-to-be recorded history, these writings open new windows on traditional observance influenced by new Jewish movements, particularly in the United States.”—
American Jewish Archives Journal“This exceptionally rich memoir will immediately captivate readers with an introduction that appeals to the interests of academics, yet is accessible to general readers. Poetic, with scenes of tension that impel one to keep reading, the story sustains interest throughout.”—Jeffrey S. Gurock, author of
Orthodox Jews in America“Gurwitz's memoir provides an almost unmatched glimpse into the daily life, folk and foodways, educational system, and family patterns of traditional East European Jews of the place and time—a real-life Fiddler on the Roof. The detail of the life of a yeshivah student and young Jewish functionary, as well as of Hassidic life are extraordinary yet this story goes beyond that to show Gurwitz’s middle age attempts to maintain tradition after immigrating to San Antonio, Texas. Bryan Edward Stone’s outstanding introduction and commentary places the memoir in historical context and highlights the important themes.”—Mark K. Bauman, editor of
Dixie Diaspora: An Anthology of Southern Jewish History and coeditor of
The Quiet Voices: Southern Rabbis and Black Civil Rights, 1880s to 1990s
