Name: Jews of the Pacific Coast (Samuel and Althea Stroum Book)
SKU: M-9780295989655-0
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Discover the vibrant and often overlooked history of Jewish communities in the American West with *Jews of the Pacific Coast*. More than a chronicle, this insightful work by Ellen Eisenberg, Ava Kahn, and William Toll reveals how Jewish immigrants shaped the region from the Gold Rush era onward. Moving beyond simple narratives of assimilation, the authors explore the unique cultural, economic, and political contributions of Western Jews, demonstrating how they both preserved their heritage and forged a distinctive regional identity. This book highlights the entrepreneurial spirit, community building efforts, and the often-groundbreaking roles of women in the West. Explore the differences and connections between Jewish communities in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland, and delve into the untold stories of resilience and innovation that helped build the Pacific Coast. A must-read for anyone interested in Jewish American history and the dynamic evolution of the American West. Part of the Samuel and Althea Stroum Book series.

From the California Gold Rush of 1849 to the explosion of population centers in the Southwest in the 1980s, Jews have played a significant role in shaping the Pacific West. Through their mercantile networks, cultural innovations, philanthropic institutions, and political leadership, western Jews created a distinctive identity. In Jews of the Pacific Coast, Ellen Eisenberg, Ava F. Kahn, and William Toll have joined together to write the first interpretive history of the Jews of this region.

In the West, Jewish men and women were less restricted in their pursuits than they had been in Europe or in the eastern United States. Unlike in the East, where Jews arriving in large numbers had to accommodate themselves to preexisting local elites and Jewish communities, in the Pacific West they were full participants in the civic lives of new and rapidly developing societies.

Drawing on manuscript collections, oral histories, newspapers, and private papers, the authors examine the distinctive roles that Jews played in the Pacific West, especially the innovative roles of women. Personal stories and anecdotes give the authors the opportunity to compare and contrast the nature of the Jewish experience in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the small towns of the West. They explain the important differences among these cities, the significance of the regional shift of focus in the early twentieth century from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and, after 1960, the importance of Jewish contributions to new population centers like Las Vegas.

Discover the untold story of Jewish life in the American West with *Jews of the Pacific Coast*, a landmark historical study by Ellen Eisenberg, Ava F. Kahn, and William Toll. From the heady days of the California Gold Rush to the explosive growth of Southwestern cities in the late 20th century, this meticulously researched book unveils the multifaceted contributions of Jewish individuals and communities to the shaping of the Pacific West. This groundbreaking work transcends a simple chronicle of events; it's an interpretive history that delves into the unique experiences and identities forged by Jews in this dynamic region. The authors skillfully weave together a narrative that highlights the ways in which the Western landscape provided opportunities for Jewish men and women to flourish in ways often unavailable to them in Europe or the Eastern United States. Unlike the established hierarchies of the East, the Pacific West presented a relatively blank canvas, allowing Jewish immigrants to become active and influential participants in the burgeoning civic life of rapidly developing societies. *Jews of the Pacific Coast* illuminates the vital role played by Jews in establishing mercantile networks that fueled economic growth, fostering cultural innovations that enriched the region's artistic and intellectual landscape, creating philanthropic institutions that addressed pressing social needs, and providing political leadership that helped guide the West's development. The book doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of Jewish identity in this context, examining how Western Jews balanced their religious and cultural heritage with the demands and opportunities of a new world. Drawing upon a rich tapestry of primary sources, including previously unexamined manuscript collections, captivating oral histories, revealing newspaper accounts, and intimate private papers, the authors offer a deeply nuanced portrayal of Jewish life across the Pacific Coast. They pay particular attention to the innovative roles of women, showcasing their contributions to business, community organizing, and cultural preservation. Through compelling personal stories and vivid anecdotes, *Jews of the Pacific Coast* paints a vibrant picture of Jewish life in diverse Western communities. The book expertly compares and contrasts the distinct experiences of Jews in major cities such as Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, while also shedding light on the experiences of those who settled in the smaller towns that dotted the Western landscape. The authors astutely analyze the regional shift in influence from San Francisco to Los Angeles in the early 20th century and explore the growing importance of Jewish contributions to emerging population centers like Las Vegas after 1960. More than just a regional history, *Jews of the Pacific Coast* offers valuable insights into the broader themes of immigration, assimilation, and the construction of identity in the American West. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Jewish history, Western history, or the complex tapestry of American ethnic relations. This edition is part of the esteemed Samuel and Althea Stroum Book series. Prepare to be captivated by the stories of the individuals and communities that shaped the West and left an enduring legacy.

Authors	Ava Kahn, Ellen Eisenberg, William Toll
Binding	Hardcover
Condition	New
ISBN-10	0295989653
ISBN-13	9780295989655
Language	English
Pages	309
Publisher	University of Washington Press
Year published	2010
Weight	1111
Edition	1
Dewey decimal	979/.004924