About this talk

What comes to mind when you think of Vienna? Perhaps it's the café culture, the waltz, or writers like Stefan Zweig. It may also be the tragic history of the city's Jewish population during the Holocaust. But there is so much more to the story of Jews in Vienna.

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

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

About Michael

Michael Simonson has been part of the Leo Baeck Institute since 2002. Starting as a new archivist, he has since taken on many roles, including Director of the Dr. Robert Ira Lewy Reference Services and Director of Public Outreach. 

Simonson works closely with researchers, addressing both academic needs and personal genealogy inquiries. He has coordinated several online programs and organizes the monthly meetings of the Leo Baeck Institute book club. You are always welcome to reach out to him with any questions related to your research.