The State of American Jewry - (Jewish Studies in the Twenty-First Century) by Frederick E Greenspahn

About the Book

"The essays in this volume describe the current nature of American Jewry, including demography, ethnicity, gender, political and religious attitudes, and organizational structure, all of which have changed dramatically over the past few decades"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

An overview of the new American Jewish landscape

American Jewry is currently experiencing conspicuous and dramatic change. While Jews first came to America almost 400 years ago, the turn of the twentieth century saw a widespread integration of Judaism into American culture. Yet, over the past few decades, several of its familiar features have changed, including its religious and organizational structure, the extent to which Jews of color are integrated into the community, how the relationship with Israel has evolved, and its approaches to gender roles and the LGBTQ+ community.

Featuring up-to-date and groundbreaking additions by a powerhouse group of experts on various aspects of contemporary Judaism, The State of American Jewry describes the current nature of American Jewish life. Jews have repeatedly seen themselves on the verge of disappearing, leading to innovative responses and adaptations to the changing world around them. This volume examines the increasing diversity of the Jewish people, the varied nature of Jewish religious practice, and the changing ways Jews affiliate with regard to denominations and charitable giving, as well as how they are confronting antisemitism. A seminal text on Judaism in the twenty-first century, The State of American Jewry provides evidence of a dynamic community's adaptability in a period of substantial change.

Review Quotes

"Greenspahn has assembled an impressive group of scholars to address the core issues facing Jews. From innovative forms of outreach involving Jews by choice to a rigorous analysis of Orthodoxy, we are introduced to the complexities and challenges facing America's Jews and the institutions that serve and represent them."--Steven F. Windmueller, Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion

"The State of American Jewry is an accurate title. This volume covers a wide range of topics from the place of Jews in American society to the content of Jewish religious life. Change is a unifying theme throughout this timely volume, including chapters on the impact of immigration, the changing complexion of American Jews, the changing dynamics of the organizational ecosystem, and changing understandings of gender."--Bruce A. Phillips, author of Brookline: The Evolution of an American Jewish Suburb

About the Author

Frederick E. Greenspahn is Gimelstob Eminent Scholar in Judaic Studies emeritus at Florida Atlantic University. He has written or edited eighteen books, including When Brothers Dwell Together: The Preeminence of Younger Siblings in the Hebrew Bible and Judaism and the Bible. He is a former president of the National Association of Professors of Hebrew and was, for five years, editor of its journal, Hebrew Studies.