This paper examines the Jewish Ladies’ Association for Preventative and Rescue Work (JAP&W) created in response to the increasing numbers of Jewish prostitutes involved in the “white slave” trade between 1860 and 1910. The JAP&W served to expand the role and influence of affluent Jewish women in Western Europe and in the United States. Through charitable and reform efforts, these women successfully highlighted the problem of the white slave trade and provided the basis for organized international efforts to combat prostitution. In this paper I utilize several primary sources,including one entitled "Reminiscences" by Constance de Rothschild Flower Battersea. This work illustrates the complex web of social and political obstacles that Jewish reformers navigated to implement reforms. Battersea’s direct experience with reform efforts, “safe” houses, and political leaders provides great insight into the dynamic relationship that affluent female reformists had with traditional Jewish society. This relationship ultimately challenged traditionally established roles and expectations for Jewish women within traditional Jewish communities.

Abolishment of “White” Slavery: Reforming Jewish Gender Roles in Western Europe