New Perspectives in American Jewish History – A Documentary Tribute to Jonathan D. Sarna

This collection honors Jonathan D. Sarna's influence on American Jewish history, showcasing diverse historical documents that reflect the community's evolving experiences.

Widely recognized as one of the leading American Jewish historians, Jonathan D. Sarna has left a profound mark on the field of Jewish studies. His influence is particularly evident in the work of his former doctoral students, who have formed what can be termed a 'Sarna diaspora'—a network of over three dozen active scholars contributing to the discourse around American Jewish history. This book, New Perspectives in American Jewish History – A Documentary Tribute to Jonathan D. Sarna, stands as both a tribute to Sarna and an essential collection of historical documents and images that have either been unpublished, overlooked, or rarely seen.

The collection spans a wide timeline, beginning with the earliest known Jewish divorce in circum-Atlantic history from 1774 and culminating with a Black Lives Matter Haggadah supplement from 2019. Through these documents, New Perspectives in American Jewish History highlights significant and generative moments that encapsulate the diverse experiences of Jews in America, from the colonial era to contemporary times. The materials included delve into various themes such as ritual observance, Jewish-Christian relations, civil rights, Zionism, Israel, and immigration, weaving a rich tapestry of interrelated narratives.

While this work is not meant to serve as a comprehensive history, it provides a chronological roadmap of the evolving self-understanding of American Jewry as they navigate their relationship with America over four centuries. Each document is accompanied by a brief prefatory note that sets the analytical context and explores its significance, further enhanced by artistic elements like photographs, advertisements, and cartoons, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the American Jewish experience.