Published by a small publishing house in 2024, this history book became a surprising word-of-mouth bestseller in Israel, with sales to make trade publishers envious.

OSTJUDEN offers the lay reader a fresh look at five centuries of Eastern Europe and its Jews in ways unexplored in most books on the subject. It is highly readable and enjoyable, peppered with stories and anecdotes about familiar characters and events of Jewish history in the author’s unique, frequently colloquial voice. As a tour guide, he is an expert on numerous locations in the region, and has done additional extensive research for the book.

Eastern Europe is an area where Jews immigrated and thrived for many generations, becoming the most Jewish region in the world. Then, it ceased to be so, and the fascinating story of Jewish Eastern Europe succumbed to myths and stereotypes.

This book weaves the story of the Jews into the broader, tumultuous history of one of the world’s most complex and captivating regions. It brings to light what really happened--where, when, and why—placing familiar events within a wide historical and political context.

OSTJUDEN was scientifically edited by historian Orel Beilinson, PhD (Yale University).

Reviews:

“Couldn't put it down." —Yitzhak Herzog, President of Israel

“Shalom Boguslavsky's new stereotype-busting study shows that the history of Eastern European Jewry is not just a story of pogroms and backwardness, but one of prosperity that could even be called a Golden Age… The publication of Boguslavsky's ambitious, illuminating book should be considered a significant cultural event.” —Haaretz

“A captivating and accessible historical study, read in one breath.” —Dr. Tamir Karkason, historian, Martin Luther Universitat, Germany

“A treasure trove of facts. A serious academic work that isn’t afraid to use humor and is a smooth and engaging read.” — Professor Emeritus Elinoar Barkat, historian