American Judaism: A History by Jonathan Sarna

American Judaism offers a comprehensive history of Jewish life in America, spanning 350 years. It's a story of individuals striving to maintain their Jewish identity while embracing American culture, marked by periods of assimilation and revitalization, loss and renewal. The book traces the evolution of Judaism in America, from its colonial beginnings to the present day, highlighting the unique ways Judaism has adapted to this new context. Written by preeminent scholar Jonathan Sarna, this book is not just a historical account but also a celebration of American Jewish life. It provides essential reading for anyone interested in American religion and life, offering insights into the dynamic and timely history of Judaism in America. The book is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Jewish faith in the face of cultural change.

Reviews

Edge Induced Cohesion Blog · 2018-11-26

insightful 4.50

The book balances historical detail with emotional resonance, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of American Judaism. It's a poignant and comprehensive exploration of the subject.

This review praises the book for its impressive balance between historical detail and emotional depth. The reviewer appreciates how the book manages to convey the struggles and triumphs of American Judaism in a way that feels both comprehensive and poignant. They highlight the author's ability to make the history of American Judaism come alive, making it accessible and engaging for readers. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to evoke strong feelings about the subject matter, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

This is the book that manages an impressive balance while also providing the reader with a high degree of poignant feelings about the struggles.

The book's ability to evoke strong feelings about the subject matter is commendable.

The author's ability to make the history of American Judaism come alive is truly impressive.

Project MUSE · LS Weissbach · 2006-01-01

comprehensive 4.75

The book is a marvelous survey that masterfully recounts the history of Jewish religious life in America. It is both scholarly and accessible, making it a valuable resource for both academics and general readers.

The reviewer from Project MUSE highlights the book's comprehensive and masterful recounting of the history of Jewish religious life in America. They praise the author's ability to make the subject matter both scholarly and accessible, making it a valuable resource for a wide range of readers. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to provide a nuanced and detailed understanding of the subject, making it a must-read for anyone interested in American Judaism. They appreciate the author's ability to make the history of American Judaism come alive, making it engaging and informative.

Quick quotes

In American Judaism, Brandeis University scholar Jonathan Sarna has produced a marvelous survey that masterfully recounts the history of Jewish religious.

The book is both scholarly and accessible, making it a valuable resource for both academics and general readers.

The author's ability to make the history of American Judaism come alive is truly impressive.

Goodreads · 2004-01-01

magisterial 4.20

This magisterial work chronicles the 350-year history of the Jewish religion in America. It is a brilliant chronicle that provides a deep understanding of the subject.

The reviewer on Goodreads describes the book as a magisterial work that chronicles the 350-year history of the Jewish religion in America. They praise the book for its brilliance and depth, noting that it provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the subject. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to make the history of American Judaism come alive, making it engaging and informative. They also highlight the book's ability to evoke strong feelings about the subject matter, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

This magisterial work chronicles the 350-year history of the Jewish religion in America.

It is a brilliant chronicle that provides a deep understanding of the subject.

The book's ability to evoke strong feelings about the subject matter is commendable.

Appears in Lists

54 Essential Books in Jewish Studies