Description
American Shtetl is a compelling exploration of how Hasidic Jews founded a distinct community, Kiryas Joel, in upstate New York during the mid-1970s. This meticulously researched book, published by Princeton University Press, captures the unique story of a Yiddish-speaking town that has defied mainstream American societal norms to create its own thriving enclave. Authors Nomi Stolzenberg and David Myers illustrate the deep roots of Satmar Hasidism, chronicling the journey of Rebbe Joel Teitelbaum from 19th-century Hungary to his establishment of an ideal Jewish town influenced by Eastern European shtetls. In American Shtetl, readers will discover how Kiryas Joel has not only developed its own local government but has also navigated and thrived through legal and political challenges, sparked by its unwavering commitment to its cultural values. This trade paperback, published in 2024, highlights the confluence of political conservatism and multiculturalism within the U.S., peeling away layers of cultural and legal dynamics that have shaped contemporary Jewish life. Perfect for scholars of Jewish history, political science enthusiasts, or anyone intrigued by unique cultural communities in America, American Shtetl is an enlightening read that brings to light the resilience and success of a tight-knit society in a rapidly evolving world.