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In Search of American Jewish Culture (Brandeis Series in American Jewish History, Culture and Life)

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If Oscar Wilde was right when, as quoted In Search of American Jewish Culture, he said that Jews, "only believe in things that you cannot see," then author Stephen J. Whitfield not only punctuates an argument with precision but captures the 4,000 year-old central theme of Jewish life. Faith in an invisible God blossomed into an affinity for the intangibles of culture.
Whitfield's writing --- concise, clear and flowing --- displays an impressive command and synthesis of the topic. After examining basics of Jewish culture, Brandies University Professor Whitfield turns to musical theatre, music and theatre. At times, he breezes through arguments and, at times, focuses on specifics , such as Leonard Nemoy over Jewish cultural artifacts in Star Trek. A chapter on Jewish-Black relations overstates. Another chapter, on "Faith," inadequately explores Jewish theology.
Whitfield's presentation of the Holocaust is most remarkable and extremely engaging. An initial decades long silence moved from the starkness of Eli Weisel to popularizations about Anne Frank and Oscar Schindler; newer books, plays and movies dabble in the horror while avoiding the cold, cruel heart at the center. He asks: Was the Holocaust a crime against all humanity or a particular Jewish story? Above all, Whitfield boldly enters into the inexplicable without making the futile effort to try to fully explain what cannot be understood.
On the whole, the book demonstrates that Jews are a distinct people with a robust culture.

Rabbi Dennis S. Ross serves at Temple Emanuel of Worcester, Massachusetts. His latest book is God in Our Relationships: Spirituality between People from the Teachings of Martin Buber. His website is www.dennisross.netGod in Our Relationships: Spirituality Between People from the Teachings of Martin Buber
Pittsfield, MA