The Jews of Britain, 1656 to 2000

This book offers a detailed examination of British Jewry's history from 1656 to 2000, highlighting its political significance and cultural integration.

In The Jews of Britain, 1656 to 2000, Todd Endelman presents a nuanced exploration of the complex history of British Jewry over the centuries. This account highlights the significant role that British Jews played in pivotal political events, particularly the establishment of the State of Israel, while also emphasizing their often inconspicuous influence in shaping modern Jewish identity. Endelman's narrative is both elegant and spare, allowing readers to appreciate the unique trajectory of Jewish life in Britain without overshadowing its less dramatic aspects.

The book details the re-establishment of a permanent Jewish community in Britain after the expulsion of 1290, which only began to take root in the mid-seventeenth century. Endelman thoughtfully examines the integration and acculturation processes that occurred during the eighteenth century, showcasing how these developments were more pronounced in Britain than in other European nations. The economic transformation of Anglo-Jewry from 1800 to 1870 is also a focal point, as is the wave of immigration from Eastern Europe that occurred between 1870 and 1914, which brought both growth and unprecedented challenges.

Endelman further delves into the impacts of World War I and the Holocaust, as well as the evolving dynamics of Jewish life in Britain from 1948 through the end of the twentieth century. Through this comprehensive account, The Jews of Britain, 1656 to 2000 reveals the distinctive features of the Anglo-Jewish experience while drawing parallels to other Western Jewish communities, providing readers with a deeper understanding of this rich and multifaceted history.