Читать книгу The Jews of Windsor, 1790-1990 - Jonathan V. Plaut - Страница 6

This book is a chronicle of the Jews of Windsor, Ontario, recounting their origins, aspirations, experiences, and achievements. It is not a text nor is it a comparative study of Jewish experience elsewhere in North America. Rabbi Plaut’s focus is on the Jewish community who made Windsor their home. Living in a Canadian border community in the heart of North America, just a stone’s throw from Metropolitan Detroit, and even closer in mind and spirit to world Jewry and Israel has made Windsor’s Jews citizens of the world.

The author has scoured decades of newspapers, tracked down obscure archival sources, sought to integrate informing literature, and built up an impressive archive of personal accounts, interviews, and oral histories. He allows the participants to tell their own stories, some of which are important for their entertainment value while others — from rabbis, Jewish Community Council executives, and influential laymen — provide the insights and analysis from those most responsible for leading the community.

At times numbering a single soul, as in Moses David’s day, or a handful of pioneer founders in the 1880s, and never more than 3,000 at its zenith, Windsor’s big little Jewish community settled, survived, and prospered. As they ventured out of the familiar East European shtetls they had created to maintain their ancient history, customs, and traditions to live “in the world,” these newcomers struggled with the dilemma of putting down roots in a new country — how to remain Jewish while becoming Canadians.

For over two hundred years, Jews have had a vital presence in Windsor. They established their synagogues, schools, and institutions, occasionally quarrelled; and regularly united as a community to demand their rights and protect their heritage. They grew alongside the wider community and today form a significant part of it. This book honours their journey.

Dr. Larry Kulisek

Professor Emeritus, University of Windsor