Jewish Life in the American West

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In American culture and scholarship, Jewish life is often framed through the lens of the New York immigrant experience. However, this perspective overlooks the significant contributions of Jews who settled in western cities and towns, where their experiences diverged greatly. Between 1850 and the 1920s, the Jewish population in the western United States surged from negligible numbers to approximately 300,000. This work delves into the emergence of a distinct American Jewish culture with roots that were only loosely connected to the East. It examines the diverse life experiences of Jewish men and women who migrated westward by various means—overland and by sea, in covered wagons, ships, and trains—settling in both urban and rural areas. These individuals became influential figures within both Jewish and broader secular communities, highlighting the contrast between the stereotype of Jews as eastern urbanites and the reality of their varied lives in America. Contributors focus on Jewish settlement during the Great Migration, emphasizing shared experiences with non-Jews based on common needs, while also addressing the differences rooted in belief and bias. The West, with its rich variety of environments and peoples, offered a unique space for Jewish communities amid a diverse population.