Review of "The Civil War Diary of Emma Mordecai"(NYU Press, October 2024)
Reviewed by Rabbi Moshe Maimon, Jackson, NJ
Emma Mordecai's memoir offers readers a unique window into the Civil War era through the eyes of a Jewish American woman. Edited meticulously by the late Dianne Ashton and completed by her colleague at Rowan University, the historian Melissa R. Klapper, this remarkable work may be one of the earliest memoirs of its kind, providing invaluable insight into the experiences of Southern Jewry during one of the United States' most tumultuous periods.
If one were to apply Eleanor Roosevelt's famous maxim to memoirs (“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people”), Mordecai's work might suggest itself to be the product of an average mind. In truth, however, this is more a diary than a memoir, and it is clear from its composition that it was only intended as such from its inception. Her narrative is largely preoccupied with the events of the war, which she recounts in meticulous detail, but if the devil is in the details, then this book is a devil’s paradise. While Mordecai refrains from delving deeply into her personal reflections, and shares little of her personal history with the reader, her observations paint a vivid picture of daily life for Southern civilians. The astute reader will discern an authentic perspective on the Jewish American experience in the antebellum South.
Mordecai and her family identified strongly as patriotic Southerners while maintaining a cultural Jewish identity. Although she attended services and expressed pride in her heritage, she does not appear particularly observant. Her references to relatives who followed dietary laws in addition to being excellent southern gentlemen as being particularly praiseworthy of praise suggest a respectful acknowledgment of religious practice without personal adherence.
Her worldview was undeniably shaped by the prevailing attitudes of her time, and she held the deeply troubling, paternalistic views of African American slaves common among her contemporaries, referring to them invariably as indolent or uncouth. Yet, while she saw enslaved people as incapable of self-care without the supervision of their masters, she also exhibited kindness and compassion toward those within her household.
For historians and general readers alike, Mordecai's diary serves as an excellent resource for understanding the everyday realities of the Civil War. Wherever possible, the dates and events she documents have been corroborated, highlighting the accuracy of her detailed account. The immersive quality of her writing ensures that readers will derive both enjoyment and insight from this invaluable volume.
In sum, The Civil War Diary of Emma Mordecai is a significant contribution to American Jewish literature and Civil War historiography. It invites readers to reflect on the complex identities and experiences of Southern Jewry, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection of historical memoirs.
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