Arthur L. Finkle Books

The book explores how periods of economic and social stress fuel extremism, racism, nativism, and isolationism in America. It highlights the current climate of distrust in government and stagnating household incomes, suggesting that fear of change exacerbates these issues. By examining historical patterns, it illustrates how anxiety over the unknown can ignite divisive sentiments, prompting a deeper understanding of contemporary societal challenges.

Focusing on the remarkable advancements in public health over the past century, the book highlights how the fight against infectious diseases has transformed childhood mortality rates in the United States. With the introduction of vaccines, antibiotics, and improved sanitation, life expectancy has increased significantly, particularly for those over 65. The text notes the dramatic reduction in morbidity for several vaccine-preventable diseases, showcasing the effectiveness of these health measures in enhancing the quality of life and longevity.

The book explores the controversial assertion that Ashkenazic Jews possess higher intelligence levels than other ethnic groups, building on Charles Murray's earlier work in The Bell Curve. It delves into various explanations for this phenomenon, including genetic, environmental, and possibly divine factors, while leaving the exact contributions of each aspect unclear. By revisiting the topic, the author aims to provide a deeper understanding of what he terms "Jewish Genius," sparking discussions around intelligence and its measurement across different cultures.

The book explores Jewish farming in New Jersey during the Great Migration (1881-1914), highlighting over 100 organized agricultural experiments. It details how Russian Jews, supported by the Jewish Colonization Association, transitioned from urban life in Europe to farming in New Jersey's diverse landscapes. The narrative examines the rise of Jewish farmers in the poultry market and their eventual departure, using rare sources to illustrate their journey from inexperience to success in American agriculture. Arthur L. Finkle provides a comprehensive historical account of this transformation.

The book explores the evolution of American immigration policies from the 1850s to the restrictive Immigration Act of 1923, highlighting the rise of xenophobic groups like the Ku Klux Klan and the Eugenics movement. It delves into various forms of nativism and biases against specific immigrant groups, including Jewish, German, and Italian communities. Key legislative milestones, such as the Immigration Acts of 1875, 1891, and 1924, are examined alongside significant investigations and agreements that shaped the immigrant experience in the U.S.

Maimonides, a pivotal Jewish philosopher, uniquely integrates Aristotelian logic with his own views on creation, revelation, and redemption. In "The Guide of the Perplexed," he challenges the notion of the world's eternity, asserting God as the First Cause who governs the universe with care for humanity. He emphasizes the significance of revelation and Torah as guides toward human perfection. Recognized as a forerunner of the Jewish Enlightenment, Maimonides profoundly influenced normative Judaism while remaining a devout observer of his faith throughout his life.

The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, caused by an H1N1 virus, infected approximately one-third of the global population, leading to an estimated fifty million deaths worldwide, including 675,000 in the U.S. With no effective treatments or preventive measures available, the virus spread rapidly due to a lack of prior immunity. The pandemic's impact echoes in comparisons to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced during widespread health crises. The origins of the virus are linked to avian sources, emphasizing its novel and dangerous nature.

The American Joint Distribution Center was established during World War I to assist Jews in Soviet Russia who faced deprivation of civil rights. It focused on integrating Jewish trades into the Soviet economy by organizing Jewish collective farms with around 150,000 farmers and creating trade schools to teach skills aligned with Soviet standards. This initiative aimed to help Jewish individuals gain civil rights and improve their economic standing in a challenging political landscape.

Baron Maurice von Hirsch, born into a noble family, became a wealthy banker and philanthropist. After his son's death, he focused on aiding Russian Jews through emigration and promoting Jewish farming. He dedicated a significant fortune to philanthropy, particularly supporting education through the Alliance Israelite Universelle in Paris.