Lionel de Rothschild's hard-fought entry into Parliament in 1858 marked the emancipation of Jews in Britain--the symbolic conclusion of Jews' campaign for equal rights and their inclusion as citizens after centuries of discrimination. Jewish life entered a new phase: the post-emancipation era. But what did this mean for the Jewish community and their interactions with wider society? And how did Britain's state and society react to its newest citizens?

Emancipation was ambiguous. Acceptance carried expectations, as well as opportunities. Integrating into British society required changes...