Beyond the Synagogue Gallery: Finding a Place for Women in American Judaism Book

When groups of immigrants arrive in a large country they often try to keep their old ways while adapting to their new country. Frequently they find they need to change to gain acceptance by the larger populace. This book describes the changes taking place in Judaism in America. Jews had been in America from Colonial times with varying degrees of commitment to their religion. Women did not take part in the worship at the Synagogue and had no opportunity for leadership roles. As more Jews immigrated and created more Synagogues the ladies looked to what was happening in the Christian Churches where women were taking an active part in their religions' activities. Dr. Goldman leads the reader through the changes wrought in American Judaism from women not being part of the public religious services, through the introduction of galleries for women, mixed gender choirs, family seating, to women's benefits organizations. The book is an interesting look at how a traditional religion can adapt and become more vibrant by the efforts of all its followers.