The Modernity of Others Stanford Studies in Jewish History Culture Hardcover

the long version

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.