How, where, and when did the custom of sending New Year cards emerge among the Jewish people? Was this practice influenced by, or perhaps imitative of, the Christian tradition of Christmas cards? Which Jewish communities embraced this custom, and which did not? In this lecture, we will trace the origins and development of the Jewish New Year card, examining the impact of the invention of the postcard on its widespread adoption. Through their imagery and inscriptions, we will explore how these cards reflected major events in Jewish life, expressed the ideals and aspirations of their time, and served as a mirror of cultural and ideological trends within various communities. Special attention will be given to the distinct ways in which Jewish communities in Germany, Poland, the United States, and the Land of Israel used New Year cards to express their unique identities, values, and agendas.
Sponsor: Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program