How did American Jews see themselves - and how did others see them - in the turbulent cultural landscape of the 1950s? A comparative analysis of mainstream magazines like Life and Look alongside Jewish publications such as the Jewish Spectator, Reconstructionist, and Commentary reveals stark contrasts in the portrayal of American Jewish life and identity. While mass media outlets often depicted Judaism as either a quaint relic or merely a social construct, Jewish periodicals grappled with substantive religious and cultural challenges. These divergent narratives emerged particularly clearly in debates over Christmas celebrations in public schools, where Jewish publications presented a united opposition while differing on implementation strategies. The period also witnessed crucial intellectual developments, evident in the scholarly reception of Marshall Sklare's work on Conservative Judaism and debates over whether synagogue attendance reflected genuine religious commitment or social convenience. Through examination of theological discourse in academic quarterlies and broader ideological trends, the research demonstrates how American Jewish thought began charting its own course independent of European precedents. This evolution, though uncertain in direction, marked a significant shift in how Judaism adapted to and engaged with American culture during this transformative era.