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Instruction for the applicant for a Jewish employment agency in Hamburg. Economically independent middle class Jews were the economic backbone of the Hamburg Jewish community. More than half of all Hamburg Jews were employed in trading in produce and goods, as self- employed craftsmen, in brokering, banking and financial services, and in the wholesale trade. They were also self-employed and employed as domestic servants. These sectors of employment were representative of Jews throughout Germany. The vast majority of Hamburg Jews were not acquainted with the world of industry. It was common for Jews to be self-employed. The majority of Hamburg Jews had a secure income.
The economic dependency of Hamburg Jews on Hamburg's economic structure made itself manifest during the 1923 Inflation, but was overcome with a certain composure. Although Jews lost their assets and capital there was an expression of economic optimism, especially among the middle class. This was conspicuous in comparison to the reaction of the Hamburg community and its members regarding the difficulties encountered during the 1929-1933 Depression. The community tried to adjust to the situation with a flexibility and sense of solidarity, and organized career's guidance, the search for jobs, help with occupational restructuring, self-help and the search for apprenticeships, with significant success. Jewish self-help, always directed towards educational advancement, was especially effective in surmounting the economic crisis. Self reliance also appeared a possible answer to the growing political, social, and now economic antisemitism. |
