In 1781, Christian Wilhelm Dohm published On the Civic Improvement of the Jews. This work laid out a program for the reform of the Jewish community in Europe in accordance with the principles of Enlightenment. Dohm’s argument proved to be highly influential with Jewish as well as non-Jewish readers. Many of Dohm’s ideas would soon be implemented in the Edict of Toleration, issued by the emperor Joseph II of Austria, in 1782. Analyze both documents. Answer the following questions:
What, in Dohm’s opinion, is the main reason for “the moral corruption” of the Jews? Who is to blame? Why?
What is Dohm’s solution? What steps does he propose to bring about “the moral improvement of the Jews”? Be specific.
What are the similarities between Joseph II’s edict and Dohm’s work? What general principles and specific guidelines do they share?
Reflect on broader implications of these documents for understanding the transformation of Jewish life during the age of Enlightenment.