Postville: A Clash of Cultures in Heartland America

Stephen G. Bloom

I was fascinated by and thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Postville was the quintessential "white bread" Northeast Iowa very small town of under 1,500 people until 1987 when a group of Hasidic Jews moved in to open what has become one of the largest kosher slaughterhouses in the world.

The Lubavitchers are a Jewish sect that could best be compared with the Amish, in the sense they are ultra-orthodox fundamentalists and dress and act in ways that are strongly rooted in traditions that are centuries old. This is a story of culture clash. The author, Stephen G. Bloom, a secular Jew, a former newspaper reporter, and a professor of journalism at The University of Iowa, does an excellent job of knitting together his own experience of alienation as a Jew in Iowa with the incredible culture clash between these Hasidic Jews and the small town Christian community of Postville.

As a transplanted Jew in Iowa, I found this book especially compelling and interesting. Bloom does a great job of interviewing both sides in this "real-life social drama." The book really flowed and was very even-handed in its treatment of each group, exploring their strengths and weaknesses. I am sure this story has universal appeal, and any reader will enjoy getting insights into two very distinct cultures.

Most importantly, the book was as difficult to put down as a gripping novel. It has won numerous awards, and for good reason. I recommend Postville without reservation.

Review by Len Oppenheim