‘Sand and Stars’—Social work, Jewish history and gender reflected in Siddy Wronsky’s hidden novel

Abstract This paper presents the first scholarly study of ‘Sand and Stars’, a previously undiscovered manuscript by Jewish social work pioneer Siddy Wronsky (1883–1947). Written in the 1930s, the novel follows four young Jews who flee Nazi Germany to Palestine, depicting their immigration, social-pedagogical work, and nation-building efforts. This research explores how the novel reflects key historical themes—migration, gender, Zionism, and social work professionalization—and demonstrates the role of digital humanities in social work historiography. Through an international collaboration, the manuscript was digitized and analysed using tools such as Transkribus, Recogito, and TEI, enabling deeper insights into its historical and political context. The study highlights how literary texts can enrich historical social work research and how digital methods expand interdisciplinary scholarship. While Wronsky’s novel promotes social work’s role in Zionist nation-building, it also reveals tensions in gender roles, professional identity, and ethnic hierarchies. By integrating historical analysis, digital humanities, and social work research, this paper offers a comprehensive introduction to Wronsky’s legacy, positioning ‘Sand and Stars’ within broader discussions on social work history and the evolving visibility of the profession in interdisciplinary research.