Trudy Gold
Alexander II and the Jews, 1856-1881: Pragmatic Opportunist?
Summary
A comprehensive analysis of Alexander II’s reign and its impact on Jewish history in the Russian Empire, contextualizing demographic shifts within the Pale of Settlement and broader European socio-political dynamics. Key reforms, such as the emancipation of serfs and limited opportunities for certain categories of Jews to leave the Pale, are examined alongside broader industrialization efforts. The lecture highlights the complex interactions between state policies, societal attitudes, and the Jewish community’s experiences during this era.
Trudy Gold
Trudy Gold was the CEO of the London Jewish Cultural Centre and a founding member of the British delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). Throughout her career she taught modern Jewish history at schools, universities, and to adult groups and ran seminars on Holocaust education in the UK, Eastern Europe, and China. She also led Jewish educational tours all over the world. Trudy was the educational director of the student resources “Understanding the Holocaust” and “Holocaust Explained” and the author of The Timechart History of Jewish Civilization.
Very small compared to the population. Only really applied to the sophisticated in St. Petersburg and in Moscow. Jews only really want to become part of a society if that society’s got a lot to offer them.
Court Jews were always insecure. Certainly when their Lord died, then usually there was terrible troubles for them.