Kosher Feijoada And Other Paradoxes Of Jewish Life In S?o Paulo (new World Diasp [Paperback]

The special strength of this book, aside from its lyrical writing, is that the author effortlessly blends the meaning of being Jewish in Brazil with that countrys much noted racial and cultural tolerance and shows how Jewish identity is impacted by Brazilian concepts of race and ethnicity. It is a delight to read.Maxine Margolis, University of Florida

A fascinating ethnography of contemporary life among middle- and upper-middle class Jews in S?o Paulo, Brazil, one of the worlds largest cities. Although representing a tiny fraction of Brazils multicultural population, the Jewish community consciously creates and carefully maintains a tightly organized, lively haven in a chaotic urban center, while also embracing much of Brazils national culture.Robin Sheriff, University of New Hampshire

Being Jewish in Brazilthe worlds largest Catholic countryis fraught with paradoxes, and living in S?o Paulo only amplifies these vivid contradictions. The metropolis is home to Jews from over 60 countries of origin, and to the Hebraica, the worlds largest Jewish athletic and social club.

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Jewish identity is rooted in layered experiences of historical and contemporary dispersal and border crossings. Brazil is famously tolerant of difference but less understanding of longings for elsewhere. Celebrating both Carnival and the High Holidays is but one example of how Jews in S?o Paulo hold themselves together as a community in the face of the forces of assimilation.

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Misha Kleins fascinating ethnography reveals the complex intertwining of Jewish and Brazilian life and identity.