The past two decades in the United States have seen an immense liberalization and expansion of women's roles in society. Recently, however, some women have turned away from the myriad, complex choices presented by modern life and chosen instead a Jewish orthodox tradition that sets strict and rigid guidelines for women to follow.

Lynn Davidman followed the conversion to Orthodoxy of a group of young, secular Jewish women to gain insight into their motives. Living first with a Hasidic community in St. Paul, Minnesota, and then joining an Orthodox synagogue on the upper west side of Manhattan, Davidman pieced together a picture of disparate lives and personal dilemmas. As a participant observer in their religious resocialization and in interviews and conversations with over one hundred women, Davidman also sought a new perspective on the religious institutions that reach out to these women and usher them into the community of Orthodox Judaism.

Through vivid and detailed personal portraits, Tradition in a Rootless World explores women's place not only in religious institutions but in contemporary society as a whole. It is a perceptive contribution that unites the study of religion, sociology, and women's studies.

Lynn Davidman is Dorot Assistant Professor of Judaic Studies and Sociology at Brown University.

"A meticulously written and carefully researched study. . . . The book is objective, analytical, and insightful; it is also interestingly written with many fascinating examples and quotes. . . . An important point of departure for all future work on the subject."—William B. Helmreich, The Jewish Press

"This is a first rate monograph, analyzing why groups of modern Jewish women have chosen to find solace and fulfillment by returning to orthodox (traditional) or fundamentalist (hasidic) Jewish communities."--Journal of American Ethnic History

"[Davidman] offers a polished, thorough, and engaging account."--Journal of Religion

"Davidman maintains that plurism can strengthen religious commitment by offering an array of choices that increase religion's potential appeal."--Religious Studies Review

"[Davidman's] rich ethnographic observations and lucid prose illuminate two of the more important aspects of modern religion generally: the changing role of women and the resurgence of traditional faith."—Robert Wuthnow, author of Meaning and Moral Order

1992 National Jewish Book Award, Contemporary Jewish Life category