Watershed events - including the second Palestinian uprising in 2000, September 11 2001 and the Iraq war - have created major challenges for American Jewry, leading to changes in its perceptions and environment. Through conversations with some of America's most influential Jewish leaders, Manfred Gerstenfeld sheds light on the how the tumultuous events of recent years have affected and will continue to influence the American Jewish population. These include issues surrounding education, assimilation and revitalization, relationships with other religious communities, anti-Semitism and generational change. Of enormous historical value, American Jewry's Challenge serves as a time capsule capturing American Jewry at the dawn of the 21st century.

"This study pinpoints problems and suggests solutions and is a good beginning place for those who want to understand what is going on in the modern American Jewish community." - Community

"Following up on surveys conducted by the "Jews and the American Public Square" project examining how US Jews link their Jewishness and engagement as citizens, this volume comprises interviews with 17 prominent American Jews in light of 9/11, Lieberman's presidential candidacy, and other recent "mega-events."" - Reference and Research Book News