Dianne Ashton

Dianne Ashton is a professor emerita of Religion Studies at Rowan University, where she taught courses in American religious history and Jewish studies. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of Jewish history in America, with a particular focus on the experiences of Jewish women. Ashton holds a Ph.D. in Religion from Temple University.

She is the author of several books and numerous articles that explore Jewish culture and history, including 'Hanukkah in America: A History', which is the first full-length history of the celebration of Hanukkah in the United States. This work reflects her interest in how religious traditions evolve and are practiced in new cultural contexts.

Ashton's research has been recognized for its depth and insight, particularly her work on Rebecca Gratz, which highlights Gratz's role in shaping Jewish female identity in antebellum America. Her scholarship often emphasizes the intersection of gender, religion, and ethnicity in the American context, making her a respected figure in her field.

Books

Rebecca Gratz: Women and Judaism in Antebellum America (American Jewish Civilization Series)