Edited by Pamela S. Nadell, American Jewish Women’s History: A Reader is a groundbreaking anthology that explores the diverse roles and experiences of Jewish women in America from colonial times to today. Through essays by leading scholars, the book highlights their contributions to religious life, community building, activism, and cultural identity—ranging from Rebecca Gratz’s Sunday schools to kosher meat protests and Southern Jewish food traditions. This essential collection offers a rich and comprehensive look at the evolving lives of American Jewish women.
Praise
“A vibrant collection of classic and recent essays in American Jewish women’s history that form the perfect starting point to explore this burgeoning field. From the feminist politics of kosher meat boycotts and garment union organizing to the Jewish dimensions of modern dance and teenage diaries, this readable volume reveals the breadth and excitement of American Jewish women’s history.”
―Deborah Dash Moore, co-editor of Jewish Women in America: An Historical Encyclopedia
“An impressive compendium of essays, American Jewish Women’s History paints a broad and diverse portrait of American Jewish women. Written by some of the most incisive historians of the American Jewish community, the chapters examine Jewish women in many different venues: the home and the marketplace, religious and secular institutions, and picket lines and cultural institutions.”
―Deborah E. Lipstadt, Emory University
“It’s a thought-provoking book that should be read by women and men alike.”
―Booklist
“This anthology conveys the breadth of the historical experiences of American Jewish women.”
―Jewish Advocate
“Nadell makes explicit the diverse roles and experiences of Jewish women in the United States.”
―History Reviews of New Books
