Beyond Sectarianism is a magisterial account of the history as well as the landscape of American Orthodox Judaism today. The ease and familiarity Ferziger possesses with sociological theory and writings combined with his erudition and intimate familiarity with Orthodox Judaism and modern Jewish history allow him to frame the narrative of Orthodox Judaism on the American scene in a unique, insightful, and compelling manner. Persons interested in Orthodox Judaism, modern Jewish religious movements, and religion in America will all eagerly read and profit from this captivating and comprehensive work."

At a recent conference, a speaker noted as a forgone conclusion that Chabad was the only force shaping the last decade of American Jewry. Prof Adam Ferziger responded strongly and loaded with data that the Yeshivish world has had a great influence in shaping the current American reality. His latest work Beyond Sectarianism: The Realignment of American Orthodox Judaism, examines this claim and in addition offers several other essays where he investigates the changes in American Orthodoxy of the last two decades.

While the book ostensibly examines Orthodox Judaism, readers will inevitably gain insight into many of the dynamics driving Jewish life in America today.

The great strength of Ferziger's work is his ability to use historical episodes to support his sociological and theory-heavy framework.

Beyond Sectarianism: The Realignment of American Orthodox Judaism, brings together nine essays, some more historically oriented than others, that collectively shed light on Jewish life in America today. While the book ostensibly examines Orthodox Judaism, readers will inevitably gain insight into many of the dynamics driving Jewish religious life across denominational divisions, in no small part due to Ferziger's emphasis, reflected in the title, on groups within Orthodoxy moving beyond sectarianism. This post-sectarian movement inevitably puts these groups, and consequently the book's reader, in contact with cultural and religious developments within the Reform and Conservative movements, as well as feminist and open Orthodox movements--in addition, of course, to Ferziger's rich treatment of the nuances of haredi and modern Orthodoxy.

While each chapter of this book is interesting and persuasive on its own, the book still comes together as a compilation of essays on one central topic. Recommended to any student of American History and Orthodox Judaism, as well as to the general reader.

Adam Ferziger is among the most serious students and incisive critics of contemporary Orthodox Judaism in the United States and Israel. This highly accessible compendium of essays evidences his uncommon abilities as a historian and sociologist. His keen delineation of past and present patterns of thought and behavior among this variegated group of traditional Jews will be welcomed by both scholars and general readers alike.