German-Jewish cultural identity from 1900 to the aftermath of the First World War

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This book examines the diverse self-perceptions of three Jewish writers born around 1880 in Berlin, exploring various German-Jewish identities within the socio-cultural context of Wilhelmine Germany. It begins with Moritz Goldstein (1880-1977), highlighting his struggle with dual identity as a German writer and cultural Zionist. The analysis focuses on his essay 'Deutsch-jüdischer Parnaß,' which controversially urged Jews to withdraw from German literary culture. The ensuing debate following its 1912 publication in 'Der Kunstwart' illustrates the spectrum of German-Jewish self-definition at that time. The second part delves into Julius Bab's (1880-1955) writings, emphasizing his vision for a synthesis of 'Deutschtum' and 'Judentum.' In contrast, Ernst Lissauer (1882-1937) represents the extreme end of the spectrum, advocating for complete assimilation and viewing Jewish identity as a barrier to achieving 'Deutschtum.' This study reveals how external cultural and political factors influenced their evolving ideas of Jewish identity in Germany, particularly in response to rising anti-Semitism. By acknowledging the continuous reshaping of individual cultural identities amid external challenges, a deeper understanding of the changing self-perception among German Jews is achieved.