Ambivalent Embrace

October 15, 2017

In post-World War II America, people experienced an increase in educational opportunities, the ability to purchase homes or farms, and earn income. American Jews enjoyed these benefits as well; although many felt this new prosperity came at a price. Kranson (religious studies, Univ. of Pittsburgh) focuses on the upward mobility of American Jews during the postwar years. Rabbis, authors, educators, and artists voiced their concerns that these citizens were drifting away from what it meant to be Jewish. These leaders felt the move into the middle class was having a deleterious effect on gender roles, political attitudes and, the practice of their faith traditions. Six chapters explore issues such as poverty, political identity, middle-class life, masculinity, femininity, and countercultural attitudes. Kranson offers primary and secondary sources for contemporary attitudes from rabbinic sermons, novels, films, popular and academic journals, as well as newspapers. VERDICT While American upward mobility is not a new topic, Kranson has tapped into a specific aspect of midcentury America and created an engaging text. Readers of Jewish studies, American history, and sociology will benefit from this worthwhile volume.--Jacqueline Parascandola, Univ. of Virginia

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