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Modern Orthodoxy is a form of American Judaism that affirms the traditional tenets and practices of Orthodox Judaism while at the same time maintaining an openness to contemporary cultural and intellectual developments. Beginning in the post-World War II era, Living in Both Worlds shows how a fledgling Modern Orthodoxy carved out an identity separate and apart from unacculturated ultra-Orthodoxy to its right and Conservative Judaism to its left, and follows its development through the first quarter of the twenty-first century as new, divisive issues such as feminism, LGBTQ rights, and the spread of academic biblical scholarship challenged its coherence, and a rejuvenated ultra-Orthodoxy contested its religious legitimacy.
"For those looking for a comprehensive history of modern orthodoxy, Living in Both Worlds: Modern Orthodox Judaism in the United States, 1945–2025 is brilliantly researched, compellingly written, and fascinatingly insightful."
—Ben Rothke, The Times of Israel
"The best researched and most detailed history of Modern Orthodoxy that currently exists."
—Jonathan D. Sarna, University Professor and Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis University
“This book offers a compelling and meticulously researched analysis of Modern Orthodoxy in America, written by a noted historian of American Jewish religious history. Rich in documentation, it provides an in-depth, almost encyclopedic exploration of the subject.
Lawrence Grossman examines the conceptual ambiguities that have plagued Modern Orthodoxy from its emergence to the present, highlighting the increasing philosophical, theological, and socio-political challenges it faces. He argues that these challenges cast serious doubt on the future of Modern Orthodoxy, raising broader implications not only for Orthodox Judaism in America but also for American Judaism and the Jewish community as a whole.”
—Prof. Chaim I. Waxman, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Jewish Studies, Rutgers University, Professor Emeritus of Behavioral Sciences, Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College
“The history of Modern Orthodoxy in the United States is a vital topic that has been expertly traced by Lawrence Grossman in his exciting new book. Both a keen observer of events he lived through, and a scholar with command of all the relevant literature, there is no better guide than Grossman to lead us through the various transformations of Modern Orthodoxy and to help us understand its different manifestations.”
—Prof. Marc B. Shapiro, Weinberg Chair in Judaic Studies, University of Scranton
“A deeply researched, elegantly written, probing and fair-minded account of Modern Orthodox Judaism’ evolution over the past 80 years. Grossman illuminates how Modern Orthodox Jews navigate the complexities and contradictions of living in two worlds, and in the process offers suggestive insights applicable to other religious communities in the United States contending with similar tensions.”
—Jack Wertheimer, author of The New American Judaism: How Jews Practice Their Religion Today.
"American Modern Orthodox Judaism is a rich and dynamic academic field that has piqued the interest of an array of well-informed academic scholars and community activists. Lawrence Grossman is certainly among the most knowledgeable to address the topic. This monumental study draws upon thousands of literary sources, combined with his own manifold lived experiences. The result is a panoramic work that is both insightful and highly readable. I strongly recommend this volume for academic specialists and interested readers alike."
—Prof. Adam S. Ferziger, Rabbi S.R. Hirsch Chair, Department of Jewish History and Contemporary Jewry, Bar-Ilan University
Preface
Introduction
Part One: The Rise of Modern Orthodoxy, 1945–1970
Chapter 1 Pessimistic Prospects
Chapter 2 Renaissance
Chapter 3 What Is Modern Orthodoxy?
Part Two: Challenges and Reorientation, 1970–2000
Chapter 4 Haredization
Chapter 5 The Center Cannot Hold
Chapter 6 Orthodoxy and Feminism
Chapter 7 Resurgence
Part Three: Dilemmas of a New Century, 2001–2025
Chapter 8 Disputes and Divisions
Chapter 9 Modern Orthodoxy Meets Gen Z
Chapter 10 Shifting Perspectives and New Paradigms
Epilogue: Does Modern Orthodoxy Have a Future?
Bibliography