Hasia R. Diner

Diner has written an inspiring portrait of this humble retail magnate whose visionary ideas about charitable giving transformed the practice of philanthropy in America and beyond. As the son of a peddler, Julius knew what it was like to be poor, cold, and hungry. As he rose to great wealth at the helm of Sears, Roebuck he developed distinct ideas about philanthropy. This book shines light on his belief in the importance of giving in the present to make an impact on the future. He encouraged show more his beneficiaries to become partners in community institutions and projects. Influenced by Booker T. Washington, he developed a program to construct elementary and secondary schools in any black community that wanted such support. Over a 20-year period, nearly 5,000 schools opened. The Rosenwald Fund dispensed fellowships for black artists and academics, from W.E.B. Du Bois to James Baldwin. Rosenwald’s philanthropy reflected on his understanding of Jewish history and traditions. Diner writes that he saw his giving as a means of refuting popular impressions of Jewish selfishness and particularism. This book draws a stirring portrait of a modest, moral man committed to the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam. His three great missions were: Jewish opportunity, African-American progress, and the advancement of the national ideal of exceptionalism. show less

Diner focuses on the experiences of Irish women, both in Ireland and in the United States as they made their way across the Atlantic. Diner provides a rich treatment of the lives of these women, detailing their working, living and loving conditions. We see their strengths and weaknesses exhibited in their conduct. Diner avoids both harsh criticism and tender loving hagiography. This is a fine reference work.

This is a very basic, light history. It's good reading if you simply want a basic overview of the topic but if you're looking for something substantive, Diner's 'Jews of the United States: 1654 to 2000' is a better bet.

This book is a good, if dry read. i found the section on Italy particularly interesting.