American Judaism : A History

This magisterial work traces American Judaism from its origins in the colonial era through the present day, exploring how Judaism adapted, how American culture affected Jewish religion and culture, and how American Jews shaped their own communities and faith in the new world. "A masterpiece."David Gelernter, Commentary "Will likely be considered the definitive text on the subjectfor Jews and non-Jews alike."Robin Galiano Russell, Dallas Morning News "The first systematic, comprehensive, and coherent history of Judaism in America, . . . so well executed it is likely to set the standard for the next 50 years."Jacob Neusner, Jerusalem Post "Belongs on the small shelf of outstanding books on American religion that have appeared over the past 15 years."Ronald Wells, Books & Culture "An eminently readable blend of fact and interpretation, objectivity and optimism."Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People "[An] outstanding survey . . . [from] one of the great deans of American Judaism."Publishers Weekly (starred review)

JONATHAN D. SARNA is Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University, chair of the Academic Board of the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives, and chief historian of the National Museum of American Jewish History. He is the author or editor of more than twenty books, including The Jews of Boston, available in paperback from Yale University Press.