Présence et absence juive en Allemagne

Book Description

This comprehensive study offers a profound exploration of Jewish presence and absence in Germany through the lens of a small provincial community. Karine Moeglin combines rigorous historical research with anthropological fieldwork to illuminate the complex spiritual and social dynamics that shaped Jewish life from legal emancipation through the devastating period of Nazi destruction.

The investigation centers on the rural community of Schmalkalden, situated between Hesse and Thuringia, revealing a fascinating tapestry of religious practice and cultural adaptation. This community maintained its devotion to ancient ritual traditions while navigating the challenges of modernity and social change. The author examines how traditional customs like ritual bathing gradually disappeared, while new forms of spiritual expression, including philanthropic activities, emerged within the community.

Rather than focusing solely on the well-documented tensions between religious reform and orthodoxy, Moeglin uncovers the intricate relationships between community members and their religious leaders, including complex dynamics with provincial rabbis and community employees. The study traces how this resilient community became one of the last in Germany to renovate its synagogue before 1933, demonstrating remarkable spiritual perseverance in the face of mounting challenges.

Through careful analysis of how this community's story has been remembered and retold in recent decades, the work offers valuable insights into the enduring impact of spiritual heritage and the ways communities preserve their sacred narratives across generations of profound transformation.