Romanze mit der Vergangenheit

The 19th century German-Jewish historical novel was born of the need to supply readers with popular novels, a novelty in Jewish literature. Through the back door it provided a chance to update images of Jews and Judaism and rewrite Jewish history according to the ideological needs of the main participants in the struggle out of the Ghetto. Rabbis, teachers and community leaders wrote novels that first appeared in the main papers, the „AZJ“ and „Der Israelit“. The novels enjoyed great popularity, especially among youth. Though they rejected any national aspect of Jewish history, the very choice of themes and heroes enhanced national pride. They were translated/adapted into Hebrew and played a major role in the national awakening in Eastern Europe and in Israel.