Satmar: Two Generations of an Urban Island

by Anna Halberstamm-Rubin

Satmar is a Hasidic community of Jews originating in an area that once belonged to Hungary, parts of which are incorporated in neighboring countries. They have settled in the United States in the '40s and '50s. Determined to resist assimilation, they succeeded, not only for themselves, but managed to retain virtually all their offspring within the fold. Changes nevertheless occurred especially since the change of leadership. In this book, the author discusses both the continuity and change offering a sociological analysis of both vital processes. The new edition brings their story up to date, projecting some prospects for the future.

Genres: Judaism, Religion, History

314 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Penni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent account of the era when Yoel TB was active and ruling. Written in 1968, but published in 1972, even at the time of printing the book was slightly expired. Rubin wrote it before the Rabbi's stroke, and by the time he published it , it was after the stroke, changing some vital points he makes about Satmar leadership.

If someone who knows nothing of Satmar reads this book to understand satmar, its very outdated.
But someone who understands satmar for the last 30 years, can appreciate this book from an era "before".

[Frieda Vizel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very outdated; written when Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum was still alive and only covers Satmar until the 1960s. Most information is not up to date but some aspects of the sociology and history could be interesting.