Becoming American Jews

Becoming American Jews: Temple Israel of Boston
(Brandeis University Press, 2009)

Every temple family receives a signed volume of the temple's compelling history at no charge, thanks to a generous gift. Books can be picked up at the front desk, and additional copies are available for $25. Proceeds benefit the Temple Israel Archives. If you want us to mail you a copy, please contact Susan Milstein at 617-566-3960 x154.

Description
"From its beginning in 1854 as a traditional German shul to its current status as the largest Reform synagogue in New England, Temple Israel has been an important force in Boston and American Jewish life. The congregation's ongoing efforts to adapt to changes in American society while preserving balance--between tradition and innovation, between acculturation and distinctiveness--exemplify the transformations in religious worship practices, education, and social justice that mark modern American Reform Judaism. This volume, based on hundreds of archival documents, demographic data, and oral histories, and illustrated with more than 200 images, brings to life the stories of the men, women, and children who have built and maintained this vital Jewish community for more than 250 years."

Endorsements
"This trio of historians has done more than produce a solid institutional biography, although the tell the story of a single place with aplomb. They offer here instead a microcosm of American Jewish history, narrating the broad sweep of the American Jewish past through the lens of one synagogue in one city. What emerges is both local and national." --Hasia R. Diner, Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Professor of American Jewish History, New York University
"The authors help round out the picture of Reform Judaism in America. This history of Temple Israel in Boston highlights the significance of strong rabbis that move congregations in important new directions. Temple Israel has attracted some of the best American rabbis--and some of the strongest lay leaders." --Michael Feldberg, Former Director of Research, American Jewish Historical Society and President, The History Consultancy, LLC

About the Authors
MEAGHAN DWYER-RYAN is a visiting assistant professor at Boston College and the archivist at Temple Israel.
SUSAN L. PORTER is a historian and scholar at the Brandeis University Women's Studies Research Center, a research consultant, and lecturer in Museum Studies at the Harvard University Extension School.
LISA FAGIN DAVIS is an independent scholar and manuscript consultant in the Boston area.

Reviews

Read the Jewish Advocate review.

Read the New England Quarterly review.

Read the Journal of the American Jewish Archives review (pp. 113-115).