A collaboration of the world's leading contemporary Jewry scholars, this book explains how and why Jewish identity differs in various societies and regions and the impact of these variations on the theory and practice of Jewish education. The authors discuss differences that extend beyond such immediately obvious variations as language and dress. Included is an examination of what Jews believe they share and what sets them apart from others; what specific elements of Judaism, which conceptualizations, and which interpretations acquire special emphasis; and the extent to which, and the manner in which, Jews are to function as part of the larger societies in which they dwell.