American Judaism, 2nd Revised Edition

by Nathan Glazer

First published in 1957, Nathan Glazer's classic, historical study of Judaism in America has been described by the New York Times Book Review as "a remarkable story . . . told briefly and clearly by an objective historical mind, yet with a fine combination of sociological insight and religious sensitivity."

Glazer's new introduction describes the drift away from the popular equation of American Judaism with liberalism during the last two decades and considers the threat of divisiveness within American Judaism. Glazer also discusses tensions between American Judaism and Israel as a result of a revivified Orthodoxy and the disillusionment with liberalism.

" American Judaism has been arguably the best known and most used introduction to the study of the Jewish religion in the United States. . . . It is an inordinately clear-sighted work that can be read with much profit to this day."— American Jewish History (1987)

Genres: History, Judaism, Religion, Jewish

214 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Nathan Glazer was an American sociologist who taught at the University of California, Berkeley, and for several decades at Harvard University.

Reviews

[Tuscany Bernier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in search of books on American Judaism for a class when I checked this book out from Purdue University's library. As a non-Jewish person who has unfortunately not had the chance to meet many Jewish people yet in her life, I wanted to understand the history of my fellow Americans with different religious/cultural background than myself. I ended up learning so much from this book. It was really nice!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really provocative and deep read into the divergence (and re-convergence) of Judaism as a religion and Jewishness as a culture. Fascinating piece of historiography as well. Glazer occasionally takes controversial stances on things, but he's good about backing up his stances with evidence. A great discussion piece, all in all.

[Mia Lynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needed for a school project. Good for providing context, not the most interesting to read

[Elizabeth Schurman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in how the Reform movement was like, and unlike, Protestantism. There's a really good Venn diagram there. And I love Venn diagrams.