Oral histories of forty-six women form the core of this book, which chronicles the lives of Jewish immigrant women from their origins in Russia and Poland to their resettlement in the United States in the early twentieth century. While the women differed in many ways, they all shared a cultural heritage that was marked by the influence that mothers seemed to have in shaping the attitudes of their daughters towards husbands and children. The age at which these women emigrated also affected their subsequent adjustment. Originally published in 1988. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition. Editorial Reviews Review "A collective narrative of cultural assimilation. From housekeeper to opera singer to aspiring bookkeeper, nearly all the women evince a striking courage, flexibility, and openness to the American way. . . . This book stands as an intriguing bit of oral history--and an at-times moving tribute to the women who passed through Ellis Island."--"Kirkus Reviews" --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition. Review A collective narrative of cultural assimilation. From housekeeper to opera singer to aspiring bookkeeper, nearly all the women evince a striking courage, flexibility, and openness to the American way. . . . This book stands as an intriguing bit of oral history--and an at-times moving tribute to the women who passed through Ellis Island.--Kirkus Reviews --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.