PROPOSAL TYPE
Structured Conversation
SEEKING
- Seeking Additional Presenters
- Seeking General Feedback and Interest
- Seeking Specific Expertise
RELATED TOPICS
- Leadership
- Memory
- Social Justice
ABSTRACT
In the 18th century, Prague was a hotbed of a Jewish heresy called Sabbateanism. Even after the heresy had burned itself out, its adherents and their descendants–called “Ma’aminim,” or “believers”– retained group consciousness and for the next several generations, married and socialized only amongst themselves. Interestingly, many of them adopted Enlightenment ideals.
In the wake of the revolutions of 1848, many of them relocated to St. Louis and its environs, forming a nucleus from which they exercised a considerable influence on American liberalism, serving as politicians, activists, abolitionists, doctors, educators, and lawyers–including America’s first Jewish Supreme Court justice, Louis D. Brandeis.
DESCRIPTION
I’d be interested in seeing if there’s anyone else participating who’s interested in either Jewish or religious history, and its effects on social action in St. Louis in the 19th century. If there are other panelists who are presenting on this particular issue or topic, I’d welcome the opportunity to present as a roundtable or guided discussion.
If you have a direct offer of assistance, sensitive criticism, or wish to pass along someone’s contact information confidentially, please get in contact directly:
James Palmer, Washington University in St. Louis, [email protected]
All feedback and offers of assistance should be sent by June 5, 2026. If you have general ideas or feedback to share, please feel free to use the comments feature below.