Marshall Sklare's groundbreaking analysis of Conservative Judaism illuminated how a distinctly American religious movement emerged from the complex interplay of immigrant adaptation and religious preservation. As East European Jewish immigrants and their descendants moved through successive settlement areas in early twentieth-century America, Conservative Judaism took root as a lay-driven response to two extremes: the rigid traditionalism of Orthodox synagogues and the perceived cultural distance of German Reform temples. Through systematic examination of synagogue patterns, worship practices, educational programs, and evolving rabbinical roles, Sklare reveals how the movement strategically adapted Protestant institutional models while maintaining essential Jewish traditions. His methodological framework demonstrates Conservative Judaism's particular resonance among third-generation American Jews seeking both religious authenticity and cultural belonging, documenting its growing prominence over Orthodox and Reform alternatives. The analysis tackles foundational questions about religious sociology's legitimacy and methods, establishing the dialectical relationship between religious tradition and institutional development. Sklare's institutional perspective ultimately shows how broader social and cultural forces shape religious movements within American religious life, offering the first comprehensive scholarly treatment of this significant Jewish denomination.