The Jew Within: Self, Family, and Community in America - Hardcover

Cohen, Steven M.; Eisen, Arnold M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0253337828 ISBN 13: 9780253337825

Publisher: Indiana University Press, 2000

Synopsis

[ Jew Within: Self, Family, and Community in America By ( Author ) Nov-2000 Hardcover

About this title

Review:

This is an important book. . . It illustrates the fact that ideas and perceptions of American society and indeed, the entire postmodern world have seeped into and been embedded into the feelings and expression of being Jewish in America. I strongly recommend this book for all persons interested in contemporary religion and certainly, for all interested in the present and future of American Jewry. 89.3 2001--American Jewish History

. . . [S]ocial scientists Cohen and Eisen present the most up-to-date analysis of what being Jewish means to moderately affiliated American Jews . . . [T]his book constitutes an intelligent, learned, and engaging start for what is sure to be the next generation of assessments of American Jewish identity. May 2001--Choice

Synopsis:

Rocked by reports of soaring intermarriage rates, rampant assimilation, and diminishing population, the American Jewish community has been concerned with issues of Jewish identification and continuity. What factors shape, nourish, and sustain Jewish commitment? What leads some Jews to place Jewish commitment at the centre of their lives, while others consign it to the margins? What matters most to American Jews and why? Through in-depth interviews with Jews across the country, Arnold M. Eisen and Steven M. Cohen, two of the keenest observers and analysts of American Jewish life, probe beneath the surface to explore the foundations of belief and behaviour among moderately affiliated American Jews. Among their thought-provoking conclusions are that the construction of Jewish meaning in America is personal and private and that communal loyalties and norms no longer shape Jewish identity as they did several decades ago. The rich and moving personal narratives presented by the authors, accompanied by their insightful analysis, raise important questions for all those concerned with the meaning and future of Judaism in American life.

About this edition

• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0253337828
• ISBN 13: 9780253337825
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256