And They Shall Be My People: An American Rabbi and His Congregation

by Paul Wilkes

A profile of Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum and his leadership of a Massachusetts synagogue argues that economic success and the waning of anti-Semitism has led most American Jews to become secular-minded and weakened religious observance.

Genres: Nonfiction, Judaism

348 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Alyssa]

A well written account of the daily challenges and blessings that befall Rabbi Rosenbaum, bringing to light the reality of life in the religious sector. Wilkes is able to bring to life the personality and character not only of the rabbi, but also his family and congregation in a way that leaves you feeling like you're a part of the flock. The long awaited trip to Israel was my favorite part of this book, bringing back memories of my own overseas experiences.

[Joshua Reiss]

I thought this was a very moving book that discussed a lot of the issues facing the Jewish people today, even though this book was written over 30 years ago. How observant can, or should, a Jew in America be? What is most important to being a Jew? These are questions I struggle with today, and this book showed these questions are as eternal as Judaism.

[Yvonne]

This book was very eye-opening and surprisingly relatable to me because although I am a Christian our two congregations are very similar and the trials of the rabbi could readily be applied to my pastor. I would LOVE to sit down with both the author and the rabbi to explore the principles and practices of serving the same God in spirit and in truth.

[Aspen]

An inside look at a Conservative Jewish congregation in Worcester, MA and its Rabbi. I felt inspired by the struggle for spirituality - especially shown in the group trip to Israel. I also found myself disheartened at the behind the scenes struggle of the congregation to stay afloat financially, the infighting and other strife.

I was disappointed to feel that I didn't get to know the inner heart of the Rabbi - though that seems to be a complaint of many of those he spent time with. I also found myself feeling for is wife, who I found myself relating to greatly.