The Jewish Enlightenment

The Jewish Enlightenment, or Haskalah, was a cultural and intellectual movement in 18th-19th century Europe that encouraged Jews to engage with European ideas, science, and secular education. It aimed to modernize Jewish life by fostering critical thinking, language assimilation (such as learning the local language instead of only Hebrew or Yiddish), and integrating Jewish communities into broader society. The movement sought to balance tradition with modern values, leading to social, religious, and educational reforms. It had a profound impact on Jewish identity, contributing to debates between traditionalists and reformers, and helping Jews adapt to changing social and political landscapes.