Language:
English
Year of publication:
2014
Titel der Quelle:
Yad Vashem Studies
Angaben zur Quelle:
42,1 (2014) 83-109
Keywords:
Landau, Israel,
;
Jews Economic conditions
;
Responsa History and criticism
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
Abstract:
Anti-Jewish laws issued by the Hungarian government in 1938-42, and implemented by local authorities, were meant to reduce the disproportionate number of Jews in commerce and white-collar professions. The losses incurred due to unemployment and the necessity of forging partnerships with non-Jews greatly impoverished both Jewish individuals and communities. The economic hardships of the Jews and the impact of the laws on the religious life of Orthodox Jews (who resided mainly in the Hungarian annexed territories of Transylvania and Ruthenia), are reflected in rabbinic responsa of the period. Focuses on seven rabbis' responsa concerning local municipal decrees which compelled shopkeepers to open their shops on Saturday (the Jewish Sabbath). Relates, in particular, to the responsum of Rabbi Yisrael Avraham Alter Landau, head of the rabbinical court in Edelény, which typifies the responsa written by Orthodox rabbis of that period in Hungary. Landau permitted Jewish shopkeepers to hire non-Jews and pay them to keep the shops open on Saturdays, so that the Jews could retain their licenses.
Note:
In English and in Hebrew.
URL:
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