Jewish Warsaw, which was roughly a third of Warsaw proper, was a city of rabbis and swindlers, capitalists and poets; but, most of all, it was a city of talkers. There were so many ideas in the air you could get an education simply by breathing deeply. {p. 206}
The Jewish quarter of Warsaw was a vibrant community that constituted about one-third of the city. It was a unique blend of diverse characters, including rabbis and swindlers, capitalists and poets. This dynamic environment created a rich tapestry of conversations and ideas that permeated daily life.
The atmosphere in Jewish Warsaw was so intellectually stimulating that one could absorb knowledge simply through everyday interactions. It exemplified a culture of dialogue and exchange where ideas flourished, showcasing the community's deep engagement with thought and discourse.