Still Jewish: A History of Women and Intermarriage in America

TItle Page, Copyright, Dedication

Still Jewish A History of Women and Intermarriage in America Keren R. McGinity a N E W Y O R K U N I V E R S I T Y P R E S S New York and London N E W Y O R K U N I V E R S I T Y P R E S S New York and London www.nyupress.org© 2009 by New York University All rights reserved Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data McGinity, Keren R. Still Jewish : A history of women and intermarriage in America / Keren R. McGinity. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978–0–8147–5730–7 (pb : alk. paper) ISBN-10: 0–8147–5730–8 (pb : alk. paper) 1. Intermarriage—United States. 2. Jewish women. 3. Jews—United States—Identity. 4. Jews—Cultural assimilation. I. Title. HQ1031.M394 2009 306.84’30882960973—dc22 2008039062 New York University Press books are printed on acid-free paper, and their binding materials are chosen for strength and durability. We strive to use environmentally responsible suppliers and materials to the greatest extent possible in publishing our books. Manufactured in the United States of America c 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Dedicated with love to my mother, who gave me life, and to Shira for making it meaningful. From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven. And when two souls that are destined to be together find each other, their streams of light flow together and a single brighter light gives forth from their united being. —Baal Shem Tov Women’s significance in groups considered marginal must not be allowed to obscure their centrality in maintaining what scholars traditionally have called the “mainstream.” Women’s history is American religious history. —Ann Braude We only grow when we are introduced to other faiths. Diversity is part of God’s plan. The problem is when we try to turn others into a copy of ourselves. We should view them instead as opportunities for growth. —Abraham Joshua Heschel Jewish feminism began as women felt left out of Jewish life; it is continuing as women determine they have something to contribute . In the future, we shall see how Judaism itself is transformed by their participation. —Susannah Heschel ...