American JewBu: Jews, Buddhists, and Religious Change

Emily Sigalow's book explores the Jewish American encounter with Buddhism, showing how it has given rise to new contemplative forms and shaped the way Americans understand and practice Buddhism. She argues that the distinctive social position of American Jews led them to their unique engagement with Buddhism, and how they incorporate aspects of both Judaism and Buddhism into their everyday lives. Sigalow's interviews reveal how Jewish American Buddhists experience their dual religious identities and how they confound prevailing expectations of minority religions in America.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

A fascinating exploration into the intricate relationship between Judaism and Buddhism in the United States is presented in the following text. It delves into the historical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of this interfaith encounter, shedding light on how it has shaped the lives of Jewish Americans and contributed to the broader understanding and practice of Buddhism in the country.

The historical journey of Judaism and Buddhism in the United States is traced from the nineteenth century to the present day in Emily Sigalow's book. She argues that the unique social position of American Jews has shaped their engagement with Buddhism, leading to the development of new contemplative forms within American Judaism. Sigalow explores how Jewish American Buddhists navigate their dual religious identities, incorporating aspects of both Judaism and Buddhism into their daily lives.

Through extensive interviews with Jewish American Buddhists across the nation, Sigalow uncovers the experiences and perspectives of these individuals. She reveals how Jewish Buddhists challenge prevailing expectations of minority religions in America, demonstrating a willingness to adapt and integrate elements from each tradition. The book highlights the profound impact that Jewish American Buddhists have had on the popularization of meditation and mindfulness in the United States, contributing to the broader cultural landscape.

American JewBu also emphasizes the significant role that American Jews have played in the mainstreaming of meditation and mindfulness practices. The book explores how these two venerable traditions have influenced each other, leading to a fusion of ideas and practices that has enriched the spiritual lives of many Americans.

In conclusion, Emily Sigalow's book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the Jewish American encounter with Buddhism. It sheds light on the historical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of this interfaith relationship, highlighting the ways in which it has shaped the lives of Jewish Americans and contributed to the broader understanding and practice of Buddhism in the United States.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 375 x 190 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691228051