Hygiene and Integrationism among Polish Jews

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Abstract

The feuilleton begins with references to well-known contemporary Polish novels which mention poverty among Jews. Writer Leon Lichtenbaum uses these texts to discuss the poor hygienic standards among Jews. It is a reference to a wider discussion happening at the time about relation between the spread of diseases and lack of hygiene. It is also a reference to the antisemitic stereotype of the dirty, stinky Jew. The feuilleton exhibits a paternalistic approach towards lower Jewish classes. It is also a mixture of different topics, hints, cultural references, and satire.