ONLINEDebate over American Jewish Life with Jack Wertheimer

Over the past four decades, the profile of American Jewry has changed dramatically. Not only is the population far more diverse, it is also divided over what Jewishness even means and requires. Observers of the new Jewish communal reality, not surprisingly, are divided in their interpretations of the current American Jewish scene and their understanding of what the new developments portend for the future. During this lecture, we’ll explore the new American Judaism and Jewishness and contend with clashing interpretations.

Eckstein Scholar-in-Residence Program featuring Professor Jack Wertheimer (JTS)

Jack Wertheimer is professor of American Jewish History at the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he also served as provost from 1997-2007. He writes about the communal, religious and educational lives of American Jews since 1945. His most recent books are The New American Judaism: How Jews Practice Their Religion Today (2018), winner of a National Jewish Book Award and with Alex Pomson, Inside Jewish Day Schools: Leadership, Learning and Community (2022). He has edited 15 volumes and issued numerous reports on aspects of American Jewish education.