About this talk

What do you think of when you think of Vienna? Perhaps it is cafe culture and the waltz, or writers such as Stefan Zweig. It might also be the tragic history of the Jewish population of the city in the Shoah. But there is so much more to the history of Jews in Vienna.

In this talk, we will time travel from the city's founding by the ancient Romans, through the medieval period—a time of alternating persecution, expulsion, and periods of stability and religious significance—into more modern eras, such as the Enlightenment, during which Jews played a significant role.

We will continue into the 19th and 20th centuries, when the Jewish population swelled with immigrants from other parts of the Austrian Empire. These newcomers sought opportunities and escape from persecution, and a strong Jewish middle class arose, becoming an integral part of the city's political and cultural life. Nearly destroyed during the Holocaust, we conclude with present-day Vienna, where a smaller but vibrant Jewish community is thriving once again.

About Michael

Michael Simonson has been part of the Leo Baeck Institute since 2002. Since his beginnings as a new archivist, he has taken on many roles, including the position of Director of the Dr. Robert Ira Lewy Reference Services and as Director of Public Outreach. Simonson works closely with researchers and their needs, be it academic or personal genealogy. He has coordinated a number of programs online, as well as the monthly meetings of the Leo Baeck Institute book club. You are always welcome to write him with any questions you have related to your research.

About Julie

Julie Metz is the New York Times bestselling author of Perfection and Eva and Eve: A Search for My Mother's Lost Childhood and What a War Left Behind. After her mother, Eve Singer, passed away, Julie uncovered a hidden family history from their time in Nazi-occupied Vienna. This discovery inspired her to explore her family's escape and the vibrant Jewish culture of pre-war Vienna. Julie's work has appeared in The New York Times, Tablet, and Salon, and she shares essays on creativity and women's issues on Substack at "Consider the Spider." Learn more at juliemetz.com or follow her on Instagram @juliemetzwriter.