Customer Reviews

The Jews of the United States, 1654 to 2000 (Jewish Communities in the Modern World)

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Jews have long tried to entwine their fate and fortunes with the U.S. and this history of the Jews in this country begins in 1654 with the first wave of Jewish immigrants and continues to modern times. In The Jews Of The United States, 1654 To 2000 (the newest title in the outstanding "Jewish Communities in the Modern World" series from the University of California Press) Hasia Diner focuses on Jewish participation in and contributions to American history and politics, considers the blends of Jewish and American culture which have resulted from centuries of assimilation, and analyzes the structure of modern Jewish communities and institutions. An excellent, comprehensive history for any college-level Jewish studies collection.

It seems clear that much research went into this book, unfortunately with very little visible editing. There is much tedious repetition of the same point. Extraneous information peeks out at us without elaboration. It is true that New York emerged as the center of American publishing, but why tantalize the reader with this fact by means of a single sentence in the midst of several pages about the garment industry. The treatment of the 1911 Triangle fire is far too minimal, and suggests, erroneously, that this was a solely Jewish experience. This is most emphatically not the case, either in terms of the victims or the long term political consequences both for Jews and the Democratic party.

Hasia Diner does a great job at depicting what jewish life was like in the USA through the years. She describes how many came over in the 17th century, and how Governor Oglethorpe of Georgia felt that they could contribute to the well being of the colonies.

We read of the early antipathy some colonists had toward the Jewish people, but also how early Jewish activists secured basic rights for the Jews in places like Maryland (Pennsylvania was a spot where Jewish people were not always welcome).

We learn of how early Jewish synagogue communities survived without rabbis. We see Jewish people congregating in the larger cities, opening fruit and vegetable stands, and (especially) garment shops. These garment shops thrived during the Civil War when union army uniforms needed to be provided.

We also read of the origins of groups like the American Jewish Congress and Bnai Brith and the Anti-Defamation League. You will also learn about the early 20th centur distrust of Jewish people, how businessmen such as Henry Ford feared that educated and wise Jewish people would take over the country.

Many Jewish people took Gentile names at this time so that they would not be denied opportunities for work. You also read of how American Jewry was shocked and appalled at the Holocaust and how they called on FDR to intervene.

You will also discover the origins of the three major streams of American Judaism (Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox).

Hasia Diner also considers the year 2000 to be particularly significant in that a practicing Jewish person nearly became the Vice-President of the United States.

I thought the book was great. It was easy to read, and it held my attention. I also was surprised about how many entertainers and musicians and songwriters and producers are Jewish (George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, the Warner brothers, etc).

Rev. Marc Axelrod

Diner does a very nice job in this work. No heavy stuff, just a very good read about the history of the Jews coming to America and how they made their way in this new land. Very sensitive to this group of people, but also very lively and exciting. Demonstrates how the Jews wanted to assimilate and become true "Americans."