'In many respects, the publication of a collection such as Jewish Women in Eastern Europe signals the emergence of a new area of research. Although scholars of east European Jewry began applying the insights of gender studies to their research relatively recently, the breadth and depth of scholarship showcased in this volume illustrates a commitment to reshaping our understanding of ... Read moreJewish life in eastern Europe along gender lines. This collection, which is the first in the Polin series to be devoted to gender analysis as well as the first such compilation on east European Jewish women generally, should thus prove foundational in this developing field ... offers generally high quality articles that will prove interesting to scholars of gender history, Jewish history, and east European Jewish history as well as to advanced students working on relevant topics.' Elana Jakel, Canadian Slavonic Papers / Revue canadienne des slavistes 'In recent years there has been a fair amount of research and publication on East European Jewish women. Two of the editors of this volume have taken a leading role in the field and have written path-breaking books on the topic. However, many of the studies are scattered, and not all are easily accessible. Therefore, the decision to devote a volume of Polin to the topic of Jewish women in eastern Europe was very justified. Not surprisingly, the editors were able to collect some excellent studies that make this book essential reading for both gender issues and East European Jewish history. The authors employ a variety of methodologies and use diverse sources. However, most of the studies can be characterized by a palpable excitement and enthusiasm for the topic, their readers, and most of all for the subjects of the papers ... the introduction is a very comprehensive and readable historiographical survey written by the editors of the volume. They made a real effort to integrate the topic of Jewish women in Eastern Europe into both the general literature about women in the past and the literature on the history of Jews in Eastern Europe ... This volume, like the others in the series, is distinguished by the value and originality of the contributions, the careful editing, the attractive appearance, and concern for readers. It should be noted that the volume has a detailed index that includes not only names but topics. Someone worked hard on it. All in all, this volume of Polin is a very important contribution to the field and a pleasure to read. What more could one ask for?' Shaul Stampfer, Shofar Show Less