American Judaism: A History

Rating:
Summary: The book of the year for the 350th anniversary
Review: Professor Jonathan Sarna, pre-eminent scholar of the American Jewish experience, has written the book of the year for 2004, the 350th anniversary of Jewish settlement in America. Sarna's book is a brilliant chronicle of the 350 year history of the Jewish religion in America. Yes, his focus is on American Judaism and not another history of Jews in America. He asks all of the right questions: How has Judaism developed in America? How has it changed? What is its relationship to American religion? Where does it stand today? How have Jews been affected by the great turning points--the various awakenings, the Civil War, the women's movement, etc. He concludes that American Judaism is distinctive and different from Judaism in Israel or in Europe.
While the book is very readable and lively, I found his sense of optimism and his analysis of the challenges facing American Judaism in the future to be the greatest contributions of this monumental work. Sarna observes that the age-old fear that Judaism would not survive here provided an important stimulus for creative innovations. Time and again, concern for the future of Judaism inspired religious renewal. And he is equally surprised by the quickening pace of change.
Sarna has already won the National Jewish Book Award's 2004 Book of the Year and has traveled the country speaking to large and enthusiastic audiences. I think this is a book that will stand the test of time, and one that you will be coming back to as a reference for many, many years. What an excellent choice for gift-giving at this holiday time.