Beyond the Synagogue: Jewish Nostalgia as Religious Practice

The book "Beyond the Synagogue" argues that nostalgic activities such as visiting the Museum at Eldridge Street or eating traditional Jewish foods should be understood as American Jewish religious practices, providing evidence of an alternative way of being Jewish and maintaining Jewish continuity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2022
Publisher: New York University Press

In 2007, the Museum at Eldridge Street opened its doors at the site of a restored nineteenth-century synagogue, originally built by some of the first Eastern European Jewish immigrants in New York City. Visitors to the museum are invited to stand along indentations on the floor where the footprints of congregants past have worn down the soft pinewood, creating a palpable connection to the history surrounding them.

Beyond the Synagogue, Rachel B. Gross makes the compelling argument that nostalgic activities such as visiting the Museum at Eldridge Street or enjoying traditional Jewish foods should be recognized as American Jewish religious practices. Gross challenges the prevailing notion that American Judaism is in decline and suggests that sociologists and historians have mistakenly overlooked an alternative, underappreciated way of being Jewish and maintaining Jewish continuity. By tracing the involvement of American Jews in a wide range of ostensibly nonreligious activities, including conducting Jewish genealogical research, visiting Jewish historic sites, purchasing books and toys that teach Jewish nostalgia to children, and seeking out traditional Jewish foods, Gross demonstrates how nostalgia provides evidence of this alternative approach.

Through her research, Gross reveals that nostalgia serves as a powerful tool for American Jews to connect with their heritage, preserve their traditions, and strengthen their sense of community. By engaging in nostalgic activities, individuals can reclaim a sense of pride and belonging, and create a meaningful connection to their Jewish roots. Moreover, these practices can also serve as a means of intergenerational transmission, passing down Jewish values and traditions from one generation to the next.

In conclusion, Beyond the Synagogue offers a fresh perspective on American Jewish religious practices, challenging the notion that nostalgia is merely a cultural phenomenon. By recognizing the religious significance of nostalgic activities, Gross provides a valuable contribution to the study of American Judaism and offers a roadmap for individuals and communities seeking to maintain Jewish continuity in the modern world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479820511