Karen Brodkin

Recounts how Jews assimilated into, and became accepted by, mainstream white society in the later twentieth century, as they lost their working-class orientation

How Jews Became White Folks and what that Says about Race in America

Laura

This book is over twenty years old, which makes it a little bit dated. Like many of the other reviews have said, this book does not cover where the current conversation on race and the Jewish community is at. The author also writes the book in such a way which implies that her and her family's story is a common story of Jews in America. Although her family's story may feel familiar to many American Jews, it leaves out many, especially those who did not settle in New York.

Even with those issues, I do think that it is a worthwhile book for American Jews to read. Understanding our past is a way to move forward and try to build a better future. Understanding where the conversation about Jews, Whiteness, patriarchy and assimilation was twenty years ago is helpful knowledge for analyzing the issues we face today, especially how the White Jewish community purpurates racism whether towards other Jews or non-Jews.

How Jews Became White Folks and what that Says about Race in America

Reviews