Speaking Jewish - Jewish Speak: Introduction (original) (raw)

2003, Studia Rosenthaliana

Abstract

In today's digital age the survival of academic journals can no longer be taken for granted. Like many others, Studia Rosenthaliana has had to accept the need to review its basic assumptions and redefine what is referred to these days as its target group. This process has been going on for some time and has led in recent years to the introduction of various new features, the transfer of the journal to a new publisher in 1998 and an experimental digitalised version in 2000 and 2001. Unfortunately, the Internet edition did not meet its ambitious expectations and was subsequently discontinued. It became apparent to the editorial board, as the desires and options open to Studia Rosenthaliana were considered, that it was becoming impossible to continue the journal in its traditional form, both in terms of content and finance. Yet as the world of Jewish studies continues to expand, it is generally agreed that it would be regrettable if the only journal to focus specifically on this area of study in the Netherlands were to cease publication. A number of major research projects are currently under way at academic institutions in Amsterdam and elsewhere, while Dutch academics are regularly involved in extensive international research projects. Studia Rosenthaliana is an ideal platform for the results of these research activities. This situation no longer calls for the traditional model of a journal, but, in our opinion, for that of a yearbook, of which this is the first volume. We are most grateful that Peeters Publishers of Louvain, a well respected and experienced publisher of academic journals, were interested in producing our publication in this new format. We look forward to the future with confidence in the knowledge of our partnership with Peeters. The new format is introduced here in this first yearbook, the 36th volume of Studia Rosenthaliana. It presents the results of a wideranging research project about Jewish multilingualism carried out by the Menasseh ben Israel Institute and the University of Amsterdam in collaboration with the Solomon Ludwig Steinheim Institute in Duis

Key takeaways

AI

1. Studia Rosenthaliana transitioned to a yearbook format in response to evolving needs in Jewish studies.
2. The volume explores Jewish multilingualism through research at the Menasseh ben Israel Institute and University of Amsterdam.
3. Yiddish served as a cultural bridge for Jews in the Diaspora, facilitating interaction with surrounding languages.
4. Hebrew and Yiddish's roles evolved, with Hebrew becoming less accessible and Yiddish serving daily life.
5. The vernacular's rise in synagogue services marked a decline in Yiddish's prominence in Jewish liturgy.

Loading Preview

Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.