Jews have been a religious and cultural presence in America
since the colonial era, and the community of Jews in the United
States today -- some six million people -- continues to make a
significant contribution to the American religious landscape.
Emphasizing developments in American Judaism in the last quarter
century among active participants in Jewish worship, this book
provides both a look back into the 350-year history of Judaic life
and a well-crafted portrait of a multifaceted tradition today.
Combining extensive research into synagogue archival records and
secondary sources as well as interviews and observations of worship
services at more than a hundred Jewish congregations across the
country, Raphael's study distinguishes itself as both a history of
the Judaic tradition and a witness to the vitality and variety of
contemporary American Judaic life. Beginning with a chapter on
beliefs, festivals, and life-cycle events, both traditional and
non-traditional, and an explanation of the enormous variation in
practice, Raphael then explores Jewish history in America, from the
arrival of the first Jews to the present, highlighting the
emergence and development of the four branches: Orthodox,
Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Reform. After documenting the
considerable variety among the branches, the book addresses issues
of some controversy, notably spirituality, conversion,
homosexuality, Jewish education, synagogue architecture, and the
relationship to Israel. Raphael turns next to a discussion of eight
American Jews whose thoughts and/or activities made a huge impact
on American Judaism. The final chapter focuses on the return to
tradition in every branch of Judaism and examines prospects for the
future.
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