Eastern European era in Jewish history

This essay attempts an historical appraisal of eight hundred years of the Eastern European era. The focus of the article is on the unique collective life based on Jewish traditions and culture. The best intellects during this period were devoted to the study, interpretation and development of the Law rather than on secular topics such as physics. The author concludes by asking what will become of the intellectual resilience and emotional depth gathered over generations of a disciplined mode of life.