Ruth Ellen Gruber has dedicated over two decades to chronicling European Jewish issues and exploring cultural phenomena, notably the European embrace of American Wild West mythology. Her work delves into how so-called "Jewish spaces" in Europe are often filled by non-Jews, a concept she terms "Virtually Jewish." Gruber offers profound insights into the evolving landscape of European Jewish culture and its complex relationship with external influences. Her writing serves as an essential guide to understanding contemporary European cultural dynamics.
This critically acclaimed guide has been updated and revamped to reflect changes in the region, especially the division of Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia's breakup. Written in a lively style, it's a combination travel guide and history book to Jewish culture, providing invaluable tips on what to bring and wear, getting around, locating historical sites, etc. Includes completely new maps, numerous photographs and references that will further aid readers in preparing for their trip.
A detailed description of the homes, synagogues and workplaces along with the practices and beliefs that comprised the Jewish world of Eastern Europe for hundreds of years until the Holocaust, including an intimate look at who and what remains today. Layers excerpts from oral histories, literary reflections and poems with the author's own interviews, research and photographs to form a rich, multi-dimensional tapestry of a vanished world.