הרב יצחק מרגליות: ממזרח אירופה לאמריקה

Numerous social and historical aspects about the mass immigration of Jews from Eastern Europe to America (1881–1924) have been extensively researched over the last thirty years. However, the religious history of American Orthodox Jewry remains virtually untouched. Although numerous Orthodox rabbis immigrated to America, only a handful have been researched within the context of their East-European background. While many scholarly works shed light on the topic of the immigration itself, they do not deal with the religious understanding of the immigration and its influence on Jews and Judaism in America. The letters of Rabbi Isaac Margolis (1842–1887), written to his son, Max Leopold Margolis — who later became a well known scholar in Judaic studies — during the years 1884–1887, uncover an unusual outlook towards Jewish life in Eastern Europe, the immigration, and Orthodox Jewry in New York. The letters enable us to compare Rabbi Margolis' approach with that of other Orthodox rabbis, as expressed in their sermons. Soon after they arrived in the 'New World', most Orthodox rabbis idealized Jewish life in Eastern Europe. Moreover, they argued that the economic poverty in Eastern Europe was essential for creating a rich spiritual life. Therefore, the immigration to America was perceived as an attempt to escape from Jewish life, mostly in quest of a higher economic status. Consequently the rabbis tended to see the journey to America as a major watershed. Rabbi Margolis' letters present a completely different perception. From his letters from Drozgenitz and Mertz we learn that the Orthodox Jewish communities in Eastern Europe were dwindling, and that people were busy quarelling over insignificant issues. In addition, the rabbinate lost most of its value and prestige in the eyes of the community. Rabbi Margolis thus criticizes East-European Jewry, contrary to what we find in many Orthodox rabbinical writings. As mentioned above, Orthodox rabbis saw the journey to America as a symbol of the change. Leaving Eastern Europe meant leaving the Torah — in both learning and practice. Rabbi Margolis emphasises that human nature does not change so quickly and radically. Therefore, those who were pious in Eastern Europe remained so in America, whereas the 'wild people' in Europe did not atone for their sins in America. Shortly after he arrived in New York, Rabbi Margolis became the rabbi of the 'Bnei Israel Anshei Kalvaria' congregation, and later was even asked to serve at the 'Beth Hamidrash Hagadol', after Rabbi Ash's death. This indicates that Rabbi Margolis was a leading rabbinical figure within New York's Orthodox community. His comments on the religious, moral and social status of New York's Jews are quite similar to those found in other Orthodox sources, but his letters provide much more information on the process of choosing rabbis, their salaries and related issues. Rabbi Margolis presents us with an unusual outlook on Orthodox Jewry, which, in addition to supplying us with new facts, also raises several methodological questions, such as the use of sermonic literature for historical purposes. Moreover, Rabbi Margolis' relationship with his son, who did not follow in his father's footsteps, leads us to assess the relationship between many Orthodox rabbis and their children who chose to lead a different religious life-style.