Jewish learning in American universities
Book Description
This scholarly exploration reveals how Jewish learning transformed from traditional religious study into a recognized academic discipline within American universities. Paul Ritterband traces this remarkable evolution from the late nineteenth century through the twentieth century, showing how Jewish communities strategically embraced higher education as a pathway to cultural acceptance and intellectual advancement.
The narrative unfolds through the pioneering efforts of six prestigious institutions—California, Chicago, Columbia, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and Pennsylvania—that first established formal Judaica programs. Through meticulous research in university and private archives, Ritterband uncovers the complex dynamics that shaped these early academic appointments, including the delicate negotiations between university administrators and Jewish community supporters.
Readers will discover the fascinating personalities who championed this cause and the evolving justifications for Jewish studies as programs expanded across American campuses. The book illuminates the tensions between maintaining scholarly objectivity and honoring community expectations, while documenting how Jewish learning adapted to thrive within secular academic environments.
For those interested in understanding how spiritual and cultural traditions navigate modern institutional frameworks, this work offers valuable insights into the intersection of faith, scholarship, and social integration. The study demonstrates how communities can preserve their intellectual heritage while engaging constructively with broader educational systems, providing lessons relevant to anyone exploring the relationship between tradition and academic inquiry.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~10 hours)
📄 Length: 346 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Jews
- ✓ Explore Judaism
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore Jews, united states, history
- ✓ Explore Universities and colleges, united states
- ✓ Explore Departments
- ✓ Explore Jews, intellectual life
- ✓ Explore Intellectual life
