The Modernity of Others Stanford Studies in Jewish History Culture Hardcover

The most prominent story of 19th century German and French Jewry has focused on Jews' adoption of liberal middle-class values. Joskowicz points to an equally powerful aspect of modern Jewish history: the extent to which German and French Jews sought to become modern by criticising the anti-modern positions of the Catholic Church. From the moment in which Jews began to enter the fray of modern European politics, they found that Catholicism served as a convenient foil that helped them define what it meant to be a good citizen, to practice a respectable religion, and to have a healthy family life.