Customer Reviews

The Jews of Chicago: Fron Shtetl to Suburb (Ethnic History of Chicago)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a former Chicagoan, I found the book to be most informative as well as interesting. The book was thoroughly researched and well presented. Although I grew up in the Jewish community of Chicago, there were many historical facts that I had no prior knowledge of. One story that I found particularly interesting involved the Great Chicago Fire. The fire actually started on the eve of the Jewish Holiday of Simchat Torah. During this holiday, the Torah scrolls are danced with in the streets. The fact that the scrolls were outside when the fire broke out may have actually saved many lives, as well as the Torah scrolls. Cutler's book made me aware of the rich cultural tapestry that formed Chicago's Jewish community. Even non- Chicagoans will find this book enlightening.

Great description of when I grew up in Chicago (1932-1952), which I left for the Air Force in 1952. Rarely visited after that, but found great changes when I did visit. I enjoyed particulary the maps and pictures of how the city was while I was maturing and going to school. I recommend this book for anyone living there now or in the past.

I am a native Jewish Chicagoan with a fascination for history. After my wife attended a lecture by Irving Cutler, she bought me this book as a birthday present. I must say I enjoyed reading The Jews of Chicago enormously.

My family has a long history in the Chicago area. My dad settled in the Maxwell Street area in 1921, then moved to Lawndale with his family in the '30's. My mom's family came from Motele, a town in the Pale of Settlement and lived in the Austin neigborhood. They married and lived in Austin until after World War II, when they moved to Chicago Lawn on the Southwest Side. Mr. Cutler has skillfully traced the history of my family in his book, to the point of even mentioning those of us who are now living in the Northwest Suburbs. If you live in Chicago, and you are Jewish, this is a must read.
I am sending my sister in St. Louis a copy of this book, because I know she will love it as much as I did.