As one who lost ties to my Jewish identity as a result of the dogma which did not fit, or make sense to me, The New American Judaism provides new hope for a better cultural and spiritual connection. It opens the door to the transformation of the practice of Judaism to those of us who have been disenfranchised by the "traditionalists." I found it very refreshing and reassuring that there is hope that my cultural background may be reconnected to its spiritual roots.

The New American Judaism presents a fascinating approach to Judaism today. Face it, for most Jews comtact with organized Judaism ends at 13 and starts again with marriage and children. For those who do not marry Jews there is a fear that they will be shunned by the community, particularly if the spouse does not either convert or swear to raise the children exclusively Jewish.

Dr. Blecher challenges many "myths" being pushed in the mainstream Jewish world such as the children of interfaith marriages are less likely to identify as Jews and that interfaith marriages themselves harm the Jewish community.

While much the New American Judaism focuses on demonstrating that these "myths" are repeated without any imperical evidence, Rabbi Blecher provides the reader with solid and positive data and anecdotal evidence to show that indeed Judaism is thriving and that interfaith marriages enhance rather than detract from this fact.

Blecher's book should bring American Jews and non Jews in Jewish families (and their families) to a place in which they can see a new and postive and extremely INCLUSIVE approach to Judaism in the US.