This volume provides readers with a comprehensive introduction to the most important and interesting historical and contemporary facets of Judaism in America. Written by twenty-four leading scholars from the fields of religious studies, American history and literature, philosophy, art history, sociology, and musicology, the book adopts an inclusive perspective on Jewish religious experience. Three initial chapters cover the development of Judaism in America from 1654, when Sephardic Jews first landed in New Amsterdam, until today. Subsequent chapters include cutting-edge scholarship and original ideas while remaining accessible at an introductory level. A secondary goal of this volume is to help its readers better understand the more abstract term of 'religion' in a Jewish context. The Cambridge Companion to American Judaism will be of interest not only to scholars but also to all readers interested in social and intellectual trends in the modern world.

'This Companion will both introduce newer readers to American Judaism and remind those familiar with the issues just how complex and topical they are. … Dana Evan Kaplan … has organized a perceptive and coherent series of chapters on American Judaism … They inform and never condescend. … changes and trends are mapped with scholarly intensity and stylistic clarity: this is not a pretentious or intimidating scholarly work, and accessibility and a zeal to tell it as it is pervades the Companion from start to finish. … Real value for money for the academic and private collection … [and] a useful portal to many other books and writers worth acquiring and reading …'

Source: Reference Reviews

'That said, American Judaism is an outstanding resource that is broad, introductory and accessible … It would serve as a superb reader for advanced undergraduate courses and will be a useful resource for both students and scholars.'

Source: Studies in Religion