This paper will explore the motives behind the establishment of the institution for the feeble-minded Jewish children in Beelitz and will investigate the parents attitudes towards the institutionalization of their children as well as the role of doctors in the care of the feeble-minded. The paper contributes to the discussion about feeble-mindedness and mental health in Jewish society as well as class and intellectually disabled young Jews and investigates Sander Gilman’s theory about the tolerance towards the “village idiot” in rural communities versus urban ones. Finally it will look at the success of the integration of this marginalized group within Jewish society. 

By: Diana Franklin
Last updated: Thursday, 24 January 2013