Jews in Early Modern Europe, 1492 · History
If I were instructed to summarize the semester into one sentence, it would be that European Jews were far from a monolith. Retrospect often poisons modern education; it is all too easy to believe that Jews must have always been a persecuted minority given the atrocities of the 20th century. Through this course, however, I learned of some surprisingly triumphant histories of Jews in commerce, medicine, philosophy, etc. This required the skill of reading against the grain -- not taking autobiographies at their word, and instead recognizing the larger intellectual, economic, social, and political contexts of various texts. To be skeptical is a virtue, and this class reinforced that.
History of Jews in Early Modern Europe. Learned about many of the leading authorities in this field.
I learned about a period of history I never knew and about figures I never knew.
I received an in-depth introduction to Jews in the period between 1400 and 1700 through an impressive survey of texts both primary and secondary.
I always enjoy a class that challenges prevailing views. This course complicated the common victim-narrative of the European Jewry. I also find the ever-relevant question of Jewish assimilation or societal self-isolation fascinating, and that was a frequent theme.
Professor Carlebach is an incredible professor - incredibly knowledgeable and always available to speak and meet.
This course is great for any student interested in gaining a higher level of knowledge about Jewish historical and intellectual development, and provides an amazing grounding for future research into Jewish studies. This course isn't great for students who struggle with managing their own time, or who would like more in-depth class discussions.
Professor Carlebach teaches concepts incredibly clearly and is very and caring to her students. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2025 Course: HISTUN3645_001_2025_1-JewsinEarlyModernEurope,1492-1750 : HISTUN3645_001_2025_1 - Jews in Early Modern Europe, 1492-1750 Instructor: Elisheva Carlebach