The American Synagogue: A Historical Dictionary and Sourcebook (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780313288562)

The institution of the American synagogue has played a significant role in the history of American Judaism, which remains an incomplete history if it is limited to the lives of individuals and events. This work helps complete the history as it is the first reference book to document the historical development of many individual synagogues in the United States and Canada. It includes over 350 entries of synagogues from among the four main movements, each of which have made an impact on the Jewish community, either locally or beyond. It is an essential tool for researchers, scholars, and students, as well as anyone interested in the historical aspects of American Judaism.

An essay on the historical development of the American Synagogue by Frances Weinman Schwartz, introduces the volume. Entries are arranged alphabetically by city within each state. Synagogue descriptions include the date of the congregation's founding, the reason for its founding and its congregational mission, the history of buildings and neighborhood, its local or national historical impact, its significance in the movement to which it belongs, major episodes in the congregation's history, as well as details about the service of its rabbis. A brief bibliography follows each entry, and a general bibliography and index complete the volume.

Author: Kerry Olitzky, Marc Raphael
ISBN-10: 0313288569
ISBN-13: 9780313288562
Publisher: Greenwood
Language: English
Published: 06/18/1996
Pages: 432
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.69lbs
Size: 9.51h x 6.36w x 1.14d

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 10/01/1996 pg. 68
ALA Ref Srces for Small/Med Li 01/01/2000 pg. 37