Jews in the Center: Conservative Synagogues and Their Members (Paperback)

by Jack Wertheimer (Editor) "For many years, pessimism and disappointment have characterized the feelings of many Conservative Jewish leaders toward their own movement..." (more)
Key Phrases: supplementary school students, observant core, regular service attendance, Beth El, Conservative Jews, Beth Jacob (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Why do some solidly second- and third-generation American Jews join Conservative Jewish congregations, even as others assimilate and intermarry? Wertheimer (American Jewish history, Jewish Theological Seminary of America; A People Divided: Judaism in Contemporary America) has brought together a distinguished team of scholars to examine this question from the various perspectives provided by demography, ethnography, sociology, history, and comparative religious studies. This study provides insight into the mainstream of contemporary American Jewish religious life, showing why people choose to be Conservative Jews, how they become involved in congregational life, and how this involvement helps them maintain a balance between the uniqueness of Jewish religious life and the demands of contemporary American culture. Essential for all sociology and religion collections.DOlga B. Wise, Compaq Computer Corp., Austin
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review
"The book offers a fascinating balance of quantitative sociology, demography, and cultural anthropology. It provides a richly textured portrayal of the strengths and weaknesses of the [Conservative Jewish] movement, set against the background of American middle-class religion at the end of the 20th century.... This clear, well-written, and intelligently organized book should interest not only students of Judaism, but all scholars of contemporary American religious life." - Choice; "This study... shows why people choose to be Conservative Jews... and how [they] maintain a balance between the uniqueness of Jewish religious life and the demands of contemporary American culture. Essential for all sociology and religious collection." - Library Journal; "This comprehensive examination of Conservative synagogues and their members sets a new standard for denominational self-studies. Written by leading experts, it makes a notable contribution to the study of American Judaism and American religion as a whole." - Jonathan D. Sarna, Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis University

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Product Details

• Paperback: 407 pages
• Publisher: Rutgers University Press (September 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081353206X
• ISBN-13: 978-0813532066
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,948,173 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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