About this item
A glimpse into the diverse stories of Black Jews in the United States What makes a Jew? This book traces the history of Jews of African descent in America and the counter-narratives they have put forward as they stake their claims to Jewishness. The Soul of Judaism offers the first exploration of the full diversity of Black Jews, including bi-racial Jews of both matrilineal and patrilineal descent; adoptees; black converts to Judaism; and Black Hebrews and Israelites, who trace their Jewish roots to Africa and challenge the dominant western paradigm of Jews as white and of European descent.Blending historical analysis and oral history, Haynes showcases the lives of Black Jews within the Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstruction and Reform movements, as well as the religious approaches that push the boundaries of the common forms of Judaism we know today.
About the Author
Bruce D. Haynes (1960- ) was born in Harlem, New York, to a family of social workers. After receiving his doctorate (CUNY 1995) he taught sociology and African-American Studies at Yale University (1995-2001) . He joined the faculty of the University of California, Davis in 2001 where he is Professor of Sociology. Haynes is currently contracted with New York University Press for a book about Black Jews in America.
