The Emancipation of Jewish Folklore

The Emancipation of Jewish Folklore refers to the process by which Jewish cultural stories, traditions, and myths gained recognition and integration within broader society, moving from being orally transmitted within isolated communities to becoming part of mainstream cultural understanding. This shift often occurred during the 19th and 20th centuries, as Jews sought social and legal equality, leading to greater preservation, scholarly interest, and adaptation of folklore. It helped transform Jewish stories from private traditions into valued elements of cultural heritage, fostering both community identity and wider appreciation of Jewish contributions to literature and history.