Bringing together contributions from established scholars as well as promising younger academics, Volume XVII of Studies in Contemporary Jewry offers a broad-ranging view of why Judaism, a religion whose observance is more honored in the breach in most western Jewish communities, has garnered attention, authority and controversy in the late 20th century. The volume considers the ways in which theological writings, sweeping social changes, individual or small-group needs, and intra-communal diversity have re-energised Judaism even amidst secular trends in America and Israel.