Tag: jewish immigration

Part I Summary Jewish Immigration

Jewish immigration between 1881 and 1914 drastically altered the demographics of New York City. Not only did the new Jewish neighborhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn withstand the test of time, but they also laid the foundation for a progressive society. Nearly 1.5 million Jews had migrated to New York by the early 20th century. Many came to the United States to escape radical Russia, to escape persecution, and to take advantage of the opportunity that they saw NYC. It followed that the Jews were motivated to find skilled labor jobs, unlike the previous sweep of Irish and German immigrants, and make a living. Almost half of all the Jewish immigrants were employed in sweatshops. Consequently, as there were so many new skilled or semi-skilled workers entering the country, the workplace became more crowded and hazardous. Regardless, workers spent 60, sometimes more, hours each week in these awful conditions.

It was a similar living situation in the overwhelming jewish of the Lower East Side. With three fourths of all the Jewish immigrants in New York living on the Lower East Side, it easily became the most overcrowded district in the city. Moreover, the area became a slum raided with illegal activities, poverty, stealing, and prostitution. Organizations including the Hebrew Orphan Asylum, Home for Working Girls, and the Jewish Big Brothers and Sisters attempted to alleviate some of the difficult living conditions, but only so many of the negative aspects of the Jewish neighborhood could be improved by these small groups.

Unable to bear such a poor quality of life, garment workers took soon a stand and formed the United Hebrew Trades, which was a labor organization that brought Jews together as they faced the same struggles. It was not until 1905, that the failed Russian revolution brought Russian Bundists to NY. The Bundists were the people that brought the labor movement to live in the next few years. By 1920, membership to the union had grown drastically and members were gaining confidence in their efforts. In fact, women employed in shirtwaist shops went on strike in 1909. The notion of female rebellion was astonishing at the time and truly showed how much of an impact that the Jewish labor union had on New York’s working class.

Jewish immigrants had indeed made visible social progress in the city, but they remained detached from American politics. They did not view political status as the the approach to climbing up the social ladder. Several Jewish officials ran for office, but Jewish voters were often not concerned enough to submit their ballot. Moreover, Tammany Hall bought his votes and had an unfair advantage on the Jewish candidates.

Among the Jews themselves, there were divisions of class and religion. The German Jews lived Uptown and were wealthier than the Jews that lived in the Lower East Side. Aside from the social distinction, Jewish immigrants were typically viewed as reformed. From an Orthodox Jewish perspective, America had no place for spirituality; profit was the main focus in this country. To an extent, this was true: most Jewish families were reformed. They observed passover, were part of a synagogue and ate kosher. However, the American born Jews were found alternative investments of their time that they saw to be more productive that observing judaism, such as getting a higher education. This created a conflict among generations. To resolve this friction, the Americanized synagogue was initiated. In new Young Israel synagogue,s Well-trained rabbis delivered sermons in English. In this way, the younger generation was able to use their education as a tool to help them further their religious studies as well as restore the Jewish faith in immigrant families in New York.

Aside from education pushing them away from their religion, Jews were an incredibly motivated group in formal schooling. Young boys and girls were both encouraged to do well in high school and even attend the City College of New York. Education was important to them in itself but it was also valued because it led to employment. Soon, the Yiddish newspaper, Forverts, was printed as a source of local and national news, but also encouragement and guidance to the Jewish Americans. Meanwhile, their source of entertainment came from coffee shops and cafes that were home to intellectual Yiddish debates, spoken poetry, and storytelling. In 1908, the first Yiddish theater was built on the Lower East Side; it became a favorite way to pass the time. From labor regulations to culture and customs, the Jewish immigrant population contributed greatly to New York City.

Apple and Tree

Sara and her father, Reb, on the surface may seem to have clashing personalities. Indeed they do disagree on many accounts. Reb values religion and going to Heaven while Sara and the rest of the Smolinsky family strives for a better life on earth. Their differences, however, are but in their values. In many instances throughout the book, we can tell that Sara has certain character traits that very much resemble her father’s.

Reb dedicates his entire life to learning about the Torah and leading a life that will grant him access to heaven. He lives on his daughters’ wages and spends all his time reading his books. Although Sara does not share his diligence for religious studies, Sara goes to similar extremes when knowledge– in a worldly sense– is concerned. She, like her father, leaves her family to fend for themselves and works only towards her own goal. She even tells her mother than she will not visit her parents again until after she finishes college because it is more important in her immediate future. When she finally finishes her studies and goes to visit her mother, Sara is devastated to find her on her deathbed. Likewise, Reb’s search for knowledge also destroys his family. He rejects all of his daughters’ lovers and forces them into unhealthy marriages. Bessie goes on to bear a greater burden in her husband’s home caring for her six step children. Mashah becomes dirt poor after discovering her husband was a fraud. Fania is expected to dress and act wealthy without spending money as though she were wealthy.

Sara and Reb are both stubborn and stuck on their own beliefs right to the end. Sara’s pursuit of education battles her father’s persistent quest for knowledge. Both of their beliefs are tested in the early 20th century American society that they live in. The established gender roles at the time discourage Sara from becoming a person. Women and young girls were expected to marry and be housemakers. Sara, however, continued to strive for a college degree and a profession that would make her self sufficient. Reb struggled to validate his old world values in the American new world. In once instance, the landlady accused him of being lazy for not working to pay the bills and knocked his holy book out of his hand and to the floor. Reb still held his beliefs close to him and looks for a job that will leave most of his time to dedicate towards his learning. Despite, their contrasting American dreams, Sara shares her strong willed character with her father.