Language:
English
Year of publication:
2020
Titel der Quelle:
Contemporary Jewry
Angaben zur Quelle:
40,2 (2020) 293-313
Keywords:
Jews Legal status, laws, etc.
;
Antisemitism History 20th century
;
Orthodox Jews Social conditions 20th century
Abstract:
This paper explores Hungarian Orthodox reactions to the Numerus Clausus law (1920) and to the Third Jewish Law (1941). Both laws complied with Orthodox religious views. The first law limited the number of Jewish students in higher secular education institutions, and the second forbade intermarriage. These cases reflect dilemmas of Hungarian Orthodoxy trying to live in two worlds, modern and traditional, and regarding itself as part of the Magyar nation. Orthodoxy held on to the old traditions, which gradually lost their grip on the Jewish community; the new legislations, however, could push their distanced brothers back to the traditional sphere. It was therefore tempting to agree with the laws or, at least, not to raise any objection. Orthodoxy was hardly affected by the Numerus Clausus law, as very few Orthodox students attended universities. The Orthodox press, however, led a lengthy campaign against it, whereas the Orthodox leadership chose to remain silent. The rival Orthodox and Neolog (Reform) streams engaged in bitter disputes but reacted to the marriage ban in similar ways—both expressed mixed feelings.
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