American Space, Jewish Time

This book addresses the distinctiveness of Jewish life in the United States, and assesses the contributions that Jews have made to American high and popular culture and to American liberalism and radicalism. While some observers have warned against the seductiveness of so benign and open a social order, Whitfield shows how American Jews have reconciled birthright and citizenship and have adapted successfully to an environment of liberty and opportunity without abandoning the claims of a particular religious and ethnic identity. This volume will appeal to both Jew and Gentile, as well as to scholars and the general reader - indeed, to anyone intrigued by the possibilities of pluralism.

Stephen J. Whitfield is Max Richter Professor of American Civilization at Brandeis University.