American Judaism has never been one-size-fits-all. Over the past two centuries, Jews in the United States have created a wide range of denominations and communities, each balancing tradition and modernity in its own way. This six-week mini-course will explore that mosaic through a “then and now” lens: how movements such as Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox Judaism first emerged, and how they continue to shape Jewish life today. We’ll also consider smaller but influential voices such as Reconstructionism and the growing trend toward post-denominational communities. Along the way, we’ll ask: What sparked the divisions and innovations of the past? What unites Jews across denominational lines? And what does the future of American Jewish life look like in an age when boundaries are blurring?