In the course of emancipation in Central Europe, Jews plunged headlong into 'assimilation', absorbing West European culture as they integrated into their nation states. Judaism lost its hold, evolving into a religious creed rather than an all-enveloping environment. By the late 19th century Jewish religious behaviour spanned a vast spectrum. Most Jews practised an individualistic religiosity influenced by their family, location and community, transforming old traditions into modern Jewish practice