“Offers a guide to family historians who want to reconstruct their family trees. Invaluable . . . to other Jews in search of their roots” (Jewish Renaissance).

Jewish Lives presents the life-stories of ten individual Jews who immigrated to Britain between 1750 and 1950, based on actual genealogical research. Their stories, enriched by a variety of sources, reflect the experiences of all Jewish immigrants as they settled in their adopted land.

Melody Amsel-Arieli does not just piece together the detail of their lives—their work, pastimes, families, daily chores, food, and celebrations. Drawing on social, economic, and historical records, she also explores their background, places of origin, motives for immigration, arrival in the United Kingdom, and experiences as they adjusted to their new surroundings—placing them in the wider historical context of their adopted community and society.

This selection of revealing life-stories will prove fascinating for family historians and researchers, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, by offering parallels with their own lives and the lives of their ancestors. Jewish Lives: Britain 1750–1950 will inspire readers to pursue their own quest for information and understanding of their pasts.

“Each tale is based on research shared by a descendent, so sources very from official documents to diaries and memories, adding a rich, personal dimension.” —Family Tree

“Melody Amsel-Arieli is a prolific writer on matters genealogical and historical, but in this book her expertise in both fields shines out. For anyone researching his or her own immigrant family, Jewish Lives really is a must-read.” —Who Do You Think You Are?

Melody Amsel-Arieli

Books