Between religion and culture: Three generations of Iranian Jewish women from the shahs to Los Angeles
by Soomekh, Saba, Ph.D., UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA, 2008, 400 pages; 3342051

Abstract:

This dissertation presents an ethnographic portrait of what life was like for Iranian Jewish women living in Iran and now in America. From 2004 to 2006, I have conducted interviews with three generations of Iranian Jewish women—grandmothers, mothers, and daughters—who currently reside in Los Angeles. The three major incidents that I will focus on in terms of their affect on Iran and, consequently, the Jewish community, are: the Constitutionalist Revolution in 1906 and the granting of the throne to Reza Shah Pahlavi (1925-1941); Muhammad Reza Shah Pahalavi taking the throne (1941-1979); and finally, the Islamic Revolution in 1979 and the immigration to Los Angeles. I explore these different generations to see how history, political change, social change, assimilation, financial mobility, and immigration have affected their religiosity, their concepts of womanhood, inter-generational relationships, and their identity. In particular, I look at the concept of sacrality throughout these three generations and see how it has changed. Although different generations of women have different interpretations of sacrality, one overarching theme is the emphasis placed on women’s religious and social rituals and maintaining their najeebness (sexual modesty)—all of which upholds the community’s Jewish beliefs and distinguish them from other Iranians, Americans, and Jews. The emphasis on religious tradition and najeebness among Iranian Jewish women allows them to create meaning in their lives, establish authoritative figures within the community, and, most importantly, reinforce the collective morals and social norms held within the community.

 
AdviserRichard Hecht
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA
SourceDAI/A 70-01, p. , Mar 2009
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsReligious history; Middle Eastern history; Women's studies; Judaic studies
Publication Number3342051
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