New Books Network Jack Wertheimer, "Jewish Giving: Philanthropy and the Shaping of American Jewish Life" (NYU Press, 2025)
Dec 10, 2025
Jack Wertheimer, a historian and author specializing in American Jewish history, delves into the complexities of Jewish philanthropy. He explains how perceptions of Jewish giving have shifted over time, revealing both its successes and criticisms. Wertheimer traces the historical evolution of Jewish charitable efforts, from early voluntary institutions to modern-day challenges. He discusses the need for balance in funding priorities and highlights best practices for donors, cautioning against the limitations of philanthropy in driving social change.
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Golden Era And Rising Critiques
- Mid-20th-century American Jewish philanthropy built a powerful, centralized infrastructure praised as a "miracle of Jewish giving."
- Jack Wertheimer argues this system now faces new critiques about priorities, accountability, and changing donor bases.
Philanthropy Shaped By Waves Of Need
- Jewish philanthropic structures arose to meet immigrant relief and institution-building needs in a voluntaristic U.S. context.
- Wertheimer traces shifts: immigrant aid, overseas relief (including Israel), then renewed domestic focus in the 21st century.
Federations' Waning Centrality
- Federations once functioned as quasi-governing bodies allocating communal resources and setting agendas.
- Wertheimer notes their centrality has weakened as donors prefer direct, targeted giving and boutique philanthropy.
