The 350th Anniversary of American Jewish Life

Publication Date: October 2004

Publisher: Association for Jewish Studies

Author(s): Jonathan D. Sarna

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Academic Research; History; Communal Memory

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author states that historical markers like the 350th anniversary of American Jewish life can serve as “teachable moments”—all-too-rare opportunities to reach beyond the academy and excite a larger public about what it is that we do. Most importantly, they help us to advance our fields by stimulating scholarship and making possible a wide range of conferences that (at their best) promote creative ideas and lively academic interactions.