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Memoirs of Gluckel of Hameln Reflection

Memoirs of Gluckel of Hameln: Reflection             Gluckel, as a Jewish woman who lived in German, had enough privilege of being permitted to travel and see other parts of the country. Her husband, who was a merchant, sometimes travels with her. Aside from traveling, Gluckel also meets and makes arrangements with other families for the marriages of her children. Usually though, she just stayed at home together with her fourteen children during the long time of her husband’s absences.             Gluckel and her husband were very much in love, notwithstanding undeniably the fact that it was an arranged marriage, just as the ones she made for her children. Actually, the marriages of her children considerably occupied much of the book. The content of the book is mainly characterized by stories, stories that can entertain as well as instruct, and can also be called aggadot, midrashim and parables. However, the book also contains much of history such as the fascinating first-hand account of the mission of the false messiah, Shabbtai Tzvi. In fact, I honestly think that there is no other first-hand account on this event. Gluckel is totally unaware that she is writing one of the major events in history.             It was stated in Gluckel’s intent to write a story of her family in order for her children to be aware of what type of people they came from. Gluckel explains that her need to gather such document is due to the death of her husband, when she found so many sleepless nights that she needs to occupy the wee hours saying is it was “to drive away the idle melancholy thoughts that torment me.”             I just love the book. As I read the book, I could feel Gluckel come to life in such a way that only a few characters in books do. Although Gluckel may go into too much detail and she may not be one of the greatest writers in the world, however, she is someone who is courageous, dedicated and insightful as can be seen in her work. Reading the book could transcend us to her time and world and make us understand her and her motives as well. We empathize with her concerns as she raises her children and provide a better future for her children.             Furthermore, Gluckel also shares interesting details of everyday life. Example of this is her travels which are more often than expected as she is a woman and a Jewish, in addition to the difficulties of her lodging. As a merchant family, she also conducts her businesses decisively and dynamically.             Somehow, Gluckel has put me in touch with the world of the seventeenth century life. Also, she reminds me of perpetual chain that connects us all, in particular, the perpetual link that all women share despite being Jewish or not. Gluckel has reminded me of the universality of our experiences, transcending centuries, religions and cultures which only a few books can do.             The memoir actually comprises a rich source of information on Jewish society in seventeenth century Germany. I admit that it is more than reading for entertainment. The memoir is a historical document, a passing of cultural heritage from one generation to the next.   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Memoirs of Gluckel of Hameln Reflection

Memoirs of Gluckel of Hameln : Reflection Gluckel, as a Jewish woman who lived in German, had enough privilege of being per...