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Wandering Dixie: Dispatches from the Lost Jewish South

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In the heart of the American South, where the sun beats down on cotton fields and the air is thick with humidity, there lies a hidden world—a world of lost Jewish communities.

Wandering Dixie: Dispatches from the Lost Jewish South

by Sue Eisenfeld

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	862 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	294 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Once, these communities thrived in towns and cities across the region, their members playing an integral role in the social, economic, and cultural life of the South. But over time, many of these communities faded away, their synagogues abandoned and their history forgotten.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in uncovering the lost history of the Jewish South. Scholars, historians, and genealogists have begun to piece together the stories of these forgotten communities, shedding light on their unique experiences and the challenges they faced.

One of the most important figures in this effort is Rabbi Stephanie Schmidt, the author of the book Wandering Dixie: Dispatches from the Lost Jewish South. In her book, Schmidt travels to dozens of former Jewish communities across the South, exploring their history, culture, and the legacy they left behind.

Schmidt's journey begins in Charleston, South Carolina, one of the oldest Jewish communities in the United States. Here, she visits the Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, the oldest surviving synagogue in the South, and learns about the city's rich Jewish heritage.

From Charleston, Schmidt travels to Savannah, Georgia, where she visits the Mickve Israel Synagogue, the third oldest synagogue in the United States. She also explores the city's Jewish cemeteries, where she finds tombstones dating back to the 18th century.

Schmidt's journey continues through small towns and rural areas, where she meets with members of the few remaining Jewish communities in the South. She learns about their struggles to keep their synagogues open and their traditions alive.

In one town, Schmidt meets with an elderly woman who remembers when there were several Jewish families living in her community. Now, she is the only Jew left.

In another town, Schmidt visits a synagogue that has been converted into a museum. The museum tells the story of the Jewish community that once flourished in the town, but which has now disappeared.

Schmidt's book is a powerful and moving account of the lost Jewish communities of the South. It is a story of resilience, determination, and the enduring power of community.

In addition to her book, Schmidt has also created a website and a documentary film about the lost Jewish South. These resources provide even more information about the history and culture of these forgotten communities.

The lost Jewish communities of the South are a reminder of the rich and diverse history of the region. Their stories are a valuable part of American history, and they deserve to be remembered and celebrated.

Wandering Dixie: Dispatches from the Lost Jewish South

by Sue Eisenfeld

4.4 out of 5