Scholar-in-residence Jack Wertheimer on contemporary American Judaism

TEMPLE BETH-EL Mekor Chayim in Cranford welcomes Jack Wertheimer, professor of American Jewish history at the Jewish Theological Seminary, as the first scholar-in-residence in a year-long program of learning centered on the Jewish immigrant experience.

The event will take place Sunday, Nov. 10, and features two lectures, luncheon, and a book signing. The first lecture, “Jews on the Move: How Migrations Have Remade American Jewish Life,” will weave the story of American Jews into an exploration of U.S. history. “The Good News about the New American Judaism” will address the challenges of religious life and synagogues’ creative responses. 

“We are excited to bring Professor Wertheimer to our community as he is one of the leading historians and interpreters of the American-Jewish experience,” said Rabbi Paul Kerbel. “Professor Wertheimer will help us put into perspective the success but also the challenges of Jewish life in America.” 

Wertheimer writes about Jewish religious, communal, and educational developments since the middle of the 20th century. His most recent book, “The New American Judaism: How Jews Practice Their Religion Today” (2018, Princeton University Press), will be the focus of this program. 

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Program costs $18 per person. Register at tbemc.org or call 908-276-9231.