Religious conflict in social context: The resurgence of Orthodox Judaism is Frankfurt. Am Main by Robert Liberles Green wood press, 1985.
In his book, Robert Liberles, talks about the intrigues and resistance faced by the Jewish people in Germany. From the start until its demise Germany Jewry spoke for Judaism in modern times. Right from the times of Moses Mendelssohn to Leo Baeck, German soil produced the spokesmen who would explain, defend, rationalize and alter the extent and from of the Jewish expression for the Western World.
In his comparison, Robert has the view that there were countries in which Jews were better accepted and others less acceptable, but the situation in Germany was ambiguous, in its relations with its Jews in the nineteenth century. From the look of things, the Jewish were not accepted as citizens. The questions whether the Judaism represent an appropriate set of beliefs for citizens of the state has never been resolved. This issue was posed by English Deists as early as Seventeenth century, but by the middle of the Nineteenth century, English society had, on the whole lost interest in Judaism. It advanced the emancipation of the Jews and seemed satisfied with their religion (The Jews of Georgian England, Philadelphia, 1979.)
The French were easy to please the English but not as much as the Germans. Initially, during the reigns of Napoleon nobody knew his stand as regards the Jews. He could give conflicting statements for and against the Jewish. His questions come to rest in 1806 when he supported he Jews and this changed the position of the Jews in Germany and entire Europe.
In his evidence, the author Robert Liberles relies heavily on the custom, the scriptures from the holy books and historical evidence. It can also be proved that the author used or relied on extant archival sources, especially German and Court documents (International Review of social history 8, (2000): 93-113), as well material culture artifacts that offer clues about richness and variegation of early modern jewelry (Tubiingen, Mohr Siebeck, 1997).
Further Liberles uses also other sources of evidence including Rabbinie response, Legal documents regarding restrictions on Jewish trade of the drink, paints a nuanced picture of both internal religious discussion and the economic role of Jews in early modern Germany (Robert Liberles“ Juden , Kaffee und Kaffeehandel im 18, Jahrhundrert,” in Back haus et al, Die Frank furert Judengassee, 236-48).
Various evidences of Robert Liberles vary. The Rabbinic response evidence explores in detail about, coffee and coffee trade in Germany. It also examines the preparation of this coffee and its consumption by the Jews. The legal documents which are evidence also shows in detail the restrictions imposed in Jewish trade of drink.
The biblical source of evidence used by Liberles in his book are examined in the resurgence of Frankfurt where it is detailed how Leopold Stein assumed his duties as Rabbi of the Jewish community, and how he started or initiated a process of reform in the synagogue. The evidence further is proved where it said that the Rabbi’s first liturgical changes included the addition of prayers in German for the government and community. It also talks about the introduction of choir and sale of Torah honors during the service was abolished. The translation of additional prayers to German is also evidence of the Biblical source.
To some extent the evidence used by the author proves his thesis. However some evidence does not prove the author’s work or thesis clearly the author has made his case. In his book, Robert Liberles has put across the situation of the Jewish in Europe and more specifically German. If we look at various evidence as stated above, some sources prove the thesis.
For instance the historical evidence prove that the author has relied much on his work on history from the early times of Moses Mendelssohn to Leo Baeck’s times. This historical evidence can be well proved because it is collection information available in various historical books as well as gathering of information from people especially the old who might have physically witnessed the events of that period.
Further legal or Court documents that the author relied upon can proof his thesis from his work he explains how the Jewish people were legally discriminated. Whenever they were suspected of crimes they received heavy punishment than Christians. This point can be proved from the available court or legal documents.
Therefore, in this regard the author has proved his case by showing various evidences available in making his case; one of discrimination meted out to the Jewish in Germany.
In his book the author talks in detail about the Jewish. He asserts his opposition to the situation. He supports various reforms that have taken place in seeing that the Jewish are treated equally just like other people. The author further explains that people of all races should live like brothers and sisters irrespective of their religious beliefs or background. In his work Liberles relied on historical source as primary evidence. The source gave a detailed insight of the Jewish from early ages to the modern period. To some extent the historical information can provide an answer to the situation by advocating for comprehensive reforms.
In my opinion the author has succeeded in his work. He has done an in depth research about he Jewish from the early period to the modern era. His work sets ground for various reforms which should go towards protecting all the people irrespective of their race, religions affiliation, colour etc.
Bibliography
Liberles, Robert. The resurgence of Orthodox Judaism in Frankfurt Am Main. Greenwood press : 1985
Sachar, Howard. The Course of Modern Jewish History. Vintage Books: 1990.
Sorkin, David. The Transformation of German Jewry.
Lederhandler, Eli. The Road to Modern Jewish Politics. Oxford U Press :1994.
Schechter, Ronald. Obstinate Hebrews: Representations of Jews in France : California Press: 1990.