Maurice Fishberg and the Ambiguities of Jewish Identity

Publication Date: January 2007

Publisher: Association for Jewish Studies; Association for Jewish Studies

Author(s): Mitchell Hart; Mitchell Hart

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Publications; Race; Jewish Identification; Judaic Studies

Type: Book Review

Abstract:

The author discusses a newly republished book which was originally published in 1911, Maurice Fishberg's "The Jews: A Study of Race and Environment". The author contends that the reason for the nearly century-old book's continued relevance is its complex and sophisticated treatment of the question of whether or not the Jews are a race. Fishberg's position is a nuanced mix of yes and no, the author explains.