Gender and Jewish Welfare Work in Britain and the United States, 1880–1930

Abstract:This article explores the welfare services that settled Jews in Britain and the United States provided for the large diaspora of east European Jews between 1880 and the Great Depression. It highlights gender relations, both as proposed for the immigrants and among the welfare workers themselves. How immigrants experienced the services provided for them is seen here through the lens of divergent views of tzedakah—God’s commandment to practice charity and social justice in a way that respects the dignity of the recipient. Using evidence from London and Glasgow for Britain, and from New York and Boston for the United States, it explores three overlapping phases of welfare work: scientific Jewish charity organization (1870–1914); new Liberal and Progressive Jewish social welfare (1890–1930); and professional Jewish social services (from 1890 on). The overall story tells of the increasing intention of the welfare providers to bring more understanding and respect to their work, but also of continuing tension with the recipients of their concern.