The Kahal: Governance and Identity in Jewish Poland

This chapter examines the historical influence of the Kahal, a governing body that shaped Jewish life in Poland through its economic and administrative control. It explores the dynamics between the Kahal, the Jewish community, and external authorities, highlighting themes of ethnic nationalism, governance, and the complexities of identity. Additionally, the chapter addresses the social tensions within the Jewish community, including the rise of the Hasidic movement and its persecution, contextualizing these developments within broader political and cultural shifts in the region.