The Grandchildren of the Ghetto

"The Grandchildren of the Ghetto" by Israel Zangwill is a book that explores the challenges of Jewish identity amid cultural change. Set within London's Jewish community, the story opens with a Christmas dinner at the Goldsmith's, bringing together characters grappling with tradition and modernity. The gathering sparks lively debates about religious devotion, cultural pride, and how Jewish people are seen in broader society, especially concerning a controversial book. Through figures like Sidney Graham and Raphael Leon, the novel examines the clash between old ways and new aspirations, as characters navigate their place in a world influenced by Christian culture, and Mrs. Goldsmith attempts to hold onto tradition.