Enlightenment

The events often used to note the beginning and end of this era are the publication of Descartes’ Discourse on method (1637) and ending with the Napoleonic Wars (1804-15). This period in Europe was characterized by a triumph or assertion of reason over superstition in the intellectual circles of its time. Great thinkers often associated as primary voices during this period include: Baruch Spinoza, John Locke, Isaac Newton and Voltaire. This movement actively promoted reforming society and rejecting the combination of church and state. The growing use of the printing press helped spread the ideas more quickly. Paris was considered the center of the Enlightenment.
 * The Enlightenment (approx. mid 1600’s thru early 1800s)**

The dates used for this period are approximately the late 1700s ending around the beginning of the 1800s. The movement was based in Germany and was influenced by the broader non-Jewish Enlightenment. Followers of the Haskalah were referred to as the maskilim (pl). The intellectual leaders of the Haskalah (like their non-Jewish counterparts) set out to emphasize the rational over the religious or superstitious. The focus of this intellectual group was on secular studies, greater awareness of the broader European culture, Hebrew language, and Jewish history. Shedding a ghetto mentality and embracing the broader culture was also central to the Haskalah. Moses Mendelssohn, based in Berlin, is credited with centrally organizing the movement and encouraging the spread of the philosophical concepts of the time. His role is even more interesting given the fact that he was an observant Jew and well versed in Jewish learning. This period is also credited with promoting assimilation amongst Jews within Christian Europe through their outward appearance and action.
 * Haskalah (from the Hebrew, “sekhl” or “intellect”)**

[]

[]

[]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_enlightenment