American Jewish Philanthropic Complex: The History of a Multibillion-Dollar Institution

The first comprehensive history of American Jewish philanthropy and its influence on democracy and capitalismFor years, American Jewish philanthropy has been celebrated as the proudest product of Jewish endeavors in the United States, its virtues extending from the local to the global, the Jewish to the non-Jewish, and modest donations to vast

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2020
Publisher: Princeton University Press

For years, American Jewish philanthropy has been celebrated as the proudest product of Jewish endeavors in the United States, its virtues extending from the local to the global, the Jewish to the non-Jewish, and modest donations to vast endowments. Yet, as Lila Corwin Berman illuminates in The American Jewish Philanthropic Complex, the history of American Jewish philanthropy reveals the far more complicated reality of changing and uneasy relationships among philanthropy, democracy, and capitalism. With a fresh eye and lucid prose, and relying on previously untapped sources, Berman shows that from its nineteenth-century roots to its apex in the late twentieth century, the American Jewish philanthropic complex tied Jewish institutions to the American state. The governments regulatory efforts—most importantly, tax policies—situated philanthropy at the core of its experiments to maintain the public good without trammeling on the private freedoms of individuals. Jewish philanthropic institutions and leaders gained financial strength, political influence, and state protections within this framework. However, over time, the vast inequalities in resource distribution that marked American state policy became inseparable from philanthropic practice. By the turn of the millennium, Jewish philanthropic institutions reflected the states growing investment in capitalism against democratic interests. But well before that, Jewish philanthropy had already entered into a tight relationship with the governing forces of American life, reinforcing and even transforming the nations laws and policies.

The American Jewish Philanthropic Complex uncovers how capitalism and private interest have shaped American Jewish philanthropy, from its nineteenth-century roots to its apex in the late twentieth century. Berman explores how Jewish institutions have been both beneficiaries and victims of the states regulatory efforts, as they have sought to maintain their independence while also contributing to the public good. She also examines how Jewish philanthropy has been influenced by the broader social and political context, including the rise of consumerism, the civil rights movement, and the Cold War.

One of the most striking aspects of The American Jewish Philanthropic Complex is Berman's analysis of the relationship between philanthropy and democracy. She shows how Jewish philanthropic institutions have played a critical role in promoting democratic values and institutions, such as education, social welfare, and civil rights. However, she also highlights how philanthropy has been used to undermine democratic values and institutions, such as by supporting conservative political agendas and opposing progressive social policies.

Another important theme of the book is the relationship between philanthropy and capitalism. Berman argues that Jewish philanthropy has been both influenced by and influenced capitalism, as it has sought to align its values with the market economy and promote economic growth. However, she also points out how philanthropy has been used to challenge capitalism, such as by supporting progressive social policies and advocating for greater social justice.

The American Jewish Philanthropic Complex is a groundbreaking work that provides a new perspective on the history of American Jewish philanthropy and its influence on democracy and capitalism. Berman's analysis is thorough, nuanced, and engaging, and she offers a wealth of insights that will be valuable to scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of philanthropy, politics, and society.

In conclusion, The American Jewish Philanthropic Complex is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of American Jewish philanthropy and its influence on democracy and capitalism. Berman's book provides a fresh and insightful perspective on this complex and important topic, and it will be valuable to scholars, policymakers, and anyone who wants to better understand the role of philanthropy in shaping American society.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 165 x 246 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691170732