Jewish Anarchist Women 1920–1950: The Politics of Sexuality

Jewish Anarchist Women 1920–1950: The Politics of Sexuality

From New Books in Jewish Studies by Marshall Poe

May 8, 2026

About this episode

Elaine Leeder discusses the lives and politics of eight Jewish anarchist women from 1920 to 1950, focusing on their pursuit of sexual freedom and equality.

Anarchist theory includes the belief in freedom for all - that no one person, nor group of people, should have power over any others; that individuals can best decide how to live (and love). In this presentation Elaine Leeder will discuss eight Jewish women who identified as anarchists, active during the 1920s to 1950s. Through analysis of in-depth interviews Leeder explores the complete sexual freedom that these women sought at a time when conventionality and conformity was the norm. These women attempted to create equality in the public and private spheres, some living communally and raising their children in progressive schools. They also sought to maintain complete equality of the sexes through economic independence and maintaining non-conformist sexual relationships. This talk will place a particular focus on the way that ethnicity played a role in these women’s identities, emphasizing their atheism, while still maintaining Jewish values and traditions. This lecture originally took place on June 10, 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies

People in this episode

Host: Marshall Poe

Guest: Elaine Leeder

Topics covered

  • Jewish anarchism
  • sexuality
  • women's rights
  • ethnicity
  • economic independence
  • non-conformity

Keywords

  • anarchism
  • Jewish women
  • sexual freedom
  • equality
  • progressive schools
  • atheism
  • Jewish values

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