Description
Book SynopsisJewish Polity and American Civil Society is a study of the civic and political engagements of American Jews as mediated by their communal and denominational institutions. The book explores how the various branches of the organized Jewish community seek to influence public affairs.
Trade ReviewBoth books [Jewish Polity and American Civil Society and Jews and the American Public Square both edited by Alan Mittelman, Jonathan D. Sarna, and Robert Licht] furnish the reader with a great deal of useful information about Jews in America, while the essays included in the books are characterized by competence and earnestness throughout. * The Weekly Standard *
Both books [Jewish Polity and American Civil Society and Jews and the American Public Square both edited by Alan Mittelman, Jonathan D. Sarna, and Robert Licht] will be of interest to students of American Judaism. * First Things *
This anthology is the most comprehensive treatment to date of the participation of the organized American Jewish community in the American public square. Covering both the major communal and religious groups, this collection of insightful articles by the leading experts in their fields is both well integrated and masterfully written. It is a must-read for anyone concerned with organized American Jewry today—indeed, for anyone interested in the interaction of American religious and ethnic groups with the larger society. -- Steven M. Cohen, Hebrew University
There is no better description of the organization and behavior of the American Jewish community in the public square. This is must-reading for those interested in American Jews as well as those concerned with religion in public life. The book is outstanding. -- David Allen, therapist
This is an extraordinary anthology. This volume is a significant achievement. The editors and authors are owed a debt of gratitude by community leaders, scholars, and students. * American Jewish History *
Jewish Polity and American Civil Society is an extremely timely review of historic Jewish community agencies as well as of the social policies practiced by the major 'denominations' of Jewish observance. The essays make evident how fully the Jewish people have adopted American ways while still insisting on distinctive goals and particular objectives. This volume is a signal contribution to the growing literature on religion and civil society, and a valuable resource concerning the several strands of Jewish tradition in U.S. history. -- John F. Wilson, Princeton University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: The Jewish Political Tradition and the English-Speaking World Part 2 Communal Agencies Chapter 3 "Defenders": National Jewish Community Relations Agencies Chapter 4 Local Community Relations Councils and Their National Body Chapter 5 History of Israel Advocacy Chapter 6 The Jewish Social Welfare Lobby in the United States Part 7 Religious Movements Chapter 8 The Conservative Movement and the Public Square Chapter 9 Reform Judaism, Minority Rights, and the Separation of Church and State Chapter 10 Mainstream Orthodoxy and the American Public Square Chapter 11 Haredim and the Public Square: The Nature of the Social Contract Chapter 12 Reconstructionism and the Public Square: A Multicultural Approach to Judaism in America Chapter 13 Jewish Renewal Chapter 14 Afterword
