Zadoff, Mirjam William Templer (review)

Mirjam Zadoff's study reveals the Great Spa Towns of Europe, particularly Carlsbad, Marienbad, and Franzensbad, as dynamic 'Jewish places' characterized by diverse Jewish cultures, not static units. Through a rigorous analysis spanning 1870s to 1938, Zadoff examines how these spas functioned as 'compensatory heterotopias,' offering sanctuary and healing amid rising antisemitism. By leveraging memoirs, travel guides, fictional texts, and archival sources in multiple languages, she uncovers the complex interactions among Jewish physicians, tourists, writers, and Chassidic rebbes, highlighting both their self-segregation and shared spaces. The study underscores the spas' role as microcosms of Jewish life, bridging cultural differences while navigating political tensions.

Yudkoff, S. S. (2015). Zadoff, Mirjam William Templer (review). Slavonic and East European Review, 93(4), 768–770. https://doi.org/10.1353/see.2015.0008