By
– September 28, 2012
Jacob Rader Marcus was the “father” of scientific study of American Jewish history and Gary Zola was one of his most devoted “boys” — a term of affection that the senior scholar often used to describe his male students. In an act of academic filiopietism, Zola, director of the Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives, offers this collection of his mentor’s previously unpublished works. These studies grant readers a sense of Marcus’ mission to inspire Jews to study their history seriously as an act of communal responsibility and to perpetuate their faith in America. Marcus’ commitments are outlined well in Zola’s introduction. And Jonathan D. Sarna’s re-published necrology explores his revered teacher’s intellectual journey towards developing a once-benighted discipline. Elinor Grumet’s warm interview with Marcus, first published in 1981, reveals the human side of this beloved scholar. A complete bibliography of Marcus’ works adds value to this useful volume. Biblio., index, photos, sources.
Jeffrey S. Gurock is the Libby M. Klaperman Professor of Jewish history at Yeshiva University. He has written or edited 25 books, including Jews in Gotham, which in 2012 was honored as Winner, Everett Family Foundation Award, Jewish Book of the Year, Jewish Book Council.
