Judaism in America (Columbia Contemporary American Religion Series) [Paperback]

Marc Lee Raphael (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 13, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0231120613 | ISBN-13: 978-0231120616

Jews have been a religious and cultural presence in America since the colonial era, and the community of Jews in the United States today -- some six million people -- continues to make a significant contribution to the American religious landscape. Emphasizing developments in American Judaism in the last quarter century among active participants in Jewish worship, this book provides both a look back into the 350-year history of Judaic life and a well-crafted portrait of a multifaceted tradition today. Combining extensive research into synagogue archival records and secondary sources as well as interviews and observations of worship services at more than a hundred Jewish congregations across the country, Raphael's study distinguishes itself as both a history of the Judaic tradition and a witness to the vitality and variety of contemporary American Judaic life. Beginning with a chapter on beliefs, festivals, and life-cycle events, both traditional and non-traditional, and an explanation of the enormous variation in practice, Raphael then explores Jewish history in America, from the arrival of the first Jews to the present, highlighting the emergence and development of the four branches: Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Reform. After documenting the considerable variety among the branches, the book addresses issues of some controversy, notably spirituality, conversion, homosexuality, Jewish education, synagogue architecture, and the relationship to Israel. Raphael turns next to a discussion of eight American Jews whose thoughts and/or activities made a huge impact on American Judaism. The final chapter focuses on the return to tradition in every branch of Judaism and examines prospects for the future.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Raphael, the chair of the religion department at the College of William and Mary, explores the history, theology and practices of American Jews in this accessible and absorbing survey. After a brief introductory chapter outlining Jewish diversity, Raphael discusses festivals and life-cycle events, which are the building blocks of Judaism in practice. Other chapters consider the history of Judaism in America, the changing role of the synagogue and the rise of the many para-synagogue organizations and institutions that help define Jewish life. Raphael's study is greatly enriched by his primary ethnographic research; he attended more than 100 services in the four major branches of Judaism, and also interviewed people formally and informally about their beliefs and practices. While he acknowledges the usual grim statistics (declining numbers, increasing intermarriage and a low birth rate), he doesn't dwell on them, insisting instead that "what strikes the contemporary observer of the synagogue is its vitality." One particularly fascinating chapter explores the increase of interest in spirituality and Jewish renewal, the emergence of homosexual congregations, the "surge" in Jewish day schools and the gradual decline of identification with Israel compared to 50 years ago. Another chapter examines the return to traditional observance that has marked all sectors of Judaism in recent years. Newcomers will find this an engaging introduction to American Judaism, and even experts may learn something new.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

A fine contribution to the Columbia Contemporary American Religion series, Raphael's book is an apt portrait of contemporary Judaism in America.

(Library Journal Autumn 2007)

Raphael makes an enlightening contribution to the history, development, and future of Judaism... A most pleasurable read. Recommended.

(Choice 11/1/07)

This is an excellent addition to all collections because it provides a focused overview of American Jewish life today.

(Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter )

Accessible and absorbing... newcomers will find this an engaging introduction to American Judaism, and even experts may learn something new.

(Publishers Weekly )

Raphael's study is not merely a collected analysis of texts, as is clear from his research throughout Jewish communities, but rather an attempt to capture the true nature of the American Jewish community's history: past, present and future.

(Jewish Book World )

Raphael gives detailed accounts of Judaism being affected by particularities of society in America.... As the title of this excellent study suggests, the book concerns the religion rather than the people.

(Daniel Crewe The Times Literary Supplement )

A valuable contribution to the teaching of modern Judaism and of religion in America.

(George R. Wilkes The Journal of Jewish Studies )

An excellent overview of the transformation of Judaism in the United States.

(Shira Kohn Levy H-Amstdy )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (December 13, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231120613
• ISBN-13: 978-0231120616
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #699,122 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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