Redefining Judaism in Imperial Germany: practices, mentalities, and community

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