Jews Across the Americas: A Sourcebook, 1492-Present

Jews Across the Americas is a groundbreaking sourcebook that explores the history of American Jewry through primary sources from Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States, engaging with transnationalism, race, sexuality, and gender, and highlighting the lived experiences of those often left out of Jewish history. It features an extensive range of historical sources, including artifacts and objects, and offers insights into various aspects of Jewish American life, such as cuisine, religion, and gender.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 552 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2023
Publisher: New York University Press

This groundbreaking sourcebook, Jews Across the Americas, offers a comprehensive overview of the history of American Jewry, drawing upon primary sources from Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States. By presenting a rich tapestry of historical diversity and cultural richness, Jews Across the Americas sheds light on the multifaceted experiences of Jewish communities across these regions.

The book is a pioneering effort in Jewish Studies, engaging with key themes such as transnationalism, race, sexuality, and gender, while also highlighting the lived experiences of those often marginalized in traditional Jewish histories. Through a combination of primary documents and scholarly interpretations, Jews Across the Americas provides a fresh perspective on the history of American Jewry, challenging prevailing narratives and illuminating previously overlooked aspects.

One of the key strengths of the book is its extensive collection of primary sources. These include artifacts, objects, and documents that offer a tangible glimpse into the lives of Jewish communities across the Americas. From wills and advertisements to sermons and photographs, the entries provide a wealth of information that allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and experiences of Jewish immigrants and their descendants.

Moreover, the book's entries are written in a clear and accessible manner, making it accessible to a wide range of readers, including students, scholars, and general enthusiasts. Each entry is accompanied by detailed annotations and explanations, which help to contextualize the historical material and provide insights into the broader social, cultural, and political landscape of the time.

In addition to its primary sources, Jews Across the Americas also includes scholarly interpretations that shed light on the historical significance of these sources. The authors draw upon a range of academic disciplines, including history, sociology, and cultural studies, to provide a nuanced and multifaceted analysis of Jewish American history. These interpretations help to place the historical events and experiences of Jewish communities within a broader social and cultural context, and offer valuable insights into the complex and evolving relationship between Jews and other groups in the Americas.

One of the notable features of Jews Across the Americas is its commitment to highlighting the lived experiences of those often left out of traditional Jewish histories. The book includes entries that focus on the experiences of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color within Jewish communities. These entries provide a valuable perspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by these groups, and help to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Jewish identity and history.

Overall, Jews Across the Americas is a groundbreaking and essential resource for anyone interested in the history of American Jewry. By presenting a diverse range of primary sources and scholarly interpretations, the book offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the historical development and cultural richness of Jewish communities across the Americas. Whether you are a student, scholar, or simply a curious reader, this book will provide you with a wealth of information and insights into the rich and complex history of American Jewry.

Weight: 1066g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479819324