Write a Jewish History Paper

Instructions

Please compose an essay in which you offer a critical historical analysis of the account of 17th century Poland offered by Rabbi Nathan Hannover. It is source # 43, selection 1, in the Marcus volume (pp. 234-36).

Part of your analysis should offer a description of the source–noting, for example, who wrote the text, when it was written, and under what historical circumstances.

The greater part, however, should offer an analysis of the source, explaining its main ideas, themes, and imagery, what it tries to accomplish, how the attitude(s) expressed in the source reflect dynamics in the Jewish community, or between Jews and the wider world, etc.

There is no right answer, of course, but there will be better and worse analyses, better and worse theses, better and worse argumentation, and so on. Once you have read through the source, you might find it helpful to cogitate over the following questions to help you form your analysis (though you need not need not address each….