Israelitische Volks-Bibliothek. Deutsch-Amerikanische Skizzen für jüdische Auswanderer und Nichtauswander.

(AMERICAN-JUDAICA).

Oskar Leiner

Leipzig

1857

First Edition. The copy of the philosopher Hermann Cohen (1842-1918).

Anonymous travelogue by a German Jew who arrived in America in 1853. The author begins by describing his journey from Europe and although does not specifically explain why he left Germany, he looked to America for the religious freedom lacking in his homeland. His writing style indicates an educated upbringing, both yeshiva-trained and secular. His religious orientation may be characterized as neo-Orthodox, welcoming reform, but not if simply to ape American Christian society. He surveys here the position of women, rabbinic leadership, religious piety and provides an in-depth analysis of various American congregations. He notes with discomfort the atmosphere of overt material pursuit, but ultimately enjoys America for its democratic ethic and equal treatment of all. See G. Greenberg, A German-Jewish Immigrant’s Perception of America, 1853-1854 in: American Jewish Historical Quarterly, LXVII, 4 (June, 1978) pp. 307-41.