Todd Endelman

Todd Endelman is a prominent historian specializing in modern Jewish history, particularly focused on Jewish social history in Western Europe and the United States. He served as the William Haber Professor of Modern Jewish History at the University of Michigan until his retirement. His scholarly work has centered on the experiences of Jews in Britain from the 18th to 20th centuries, with significant contributions to understanding Jewish assimilation, conversion, and secularization. His books include "Radical Assimilation in English Jewish History, 1656-1945" and "The Jews of Britain, 1656 to 2000," which have become essential texts in their field. Endelman's research challenged prevailing narratives about Jewish modernization and emancipation, highlighting the experiences of ordinary Jews rather than focusing solely on intellectual and religious leaders. His work "Leaving the Jewish Fold: Conversion and Radical Assimilation in Modern Jewish History" examined the phenomenon of conversion to Christianity among Jews in Western and Central Europe. The historian has been recognized for his methodological innovations in Jewish historiography and his emphasis on social history over intellectual history. His research has influenced subsequent generations of scholars studying Jewish integration into modern European society.

Readers describe Endelman's writing as detailed but dense, with a focus on Jewish social history and assimilation. His academic works receive consistent but modest review counts, suggesting a specialized audience. Liked: - Thorough research and extensive use of primary sources - Clear explanations of complex demographic changes - Balanced treatment of sensitive historical topics Disliked: - Writing can be dry and overly academic - Some readers note excessive focus on statistics over personal narratives - Organization can make arguments hard to follow Ratings: Goodreads: The Jews of Georgian England (3.67/5 from 6 ratings) Leaving the Jewish Fold (4.0/5 from 4 ratings) Amazon: Broadening Jewish History (4.5/5 from 2 reviews) One reader commented: "Valuable scholarship but requires significant background knowledge to fully appreciate." The limited number of public reviews suggests his works are primarily read in academic settings rather than by general audiences.

The Jews of Georgian England, 1714-1830 (1979) Examines the economic and social integration of Jews in England during the Georgian period, focusing on their transition from maritime commerce to retail trade and finance.

Radical Assimilation in English Jewish History, 1656-1945 (1990) Documents how some English Jews abandoned their Jewish identity through conversion, intermarriage, and secular lifestyles.

The Jews of Britain, 1656 to 2000 (2002) Chronicles the history of Jewish settlement in Britain from readmission under Cromwell through the end of the 20th century.

Broadening Jewish History (2011) Explores topics often overlooked in Jewish historiography, including conversion, radical assimilation, and the social history of ordinary Jews.

Leaving the Jewish Fold: Conversion and Radical Assimilation in Modern Jewish History (2015) Analyzes the phenomenon of Jewish conversion to Christianity in Europe and America from the 18th to the 20th century.

The Jews of Georgian England, 1714-1830 (1999) Revised and expanded edition of the 1979 work, with new research on Jewish life in Georgian England.