Narrated by actor Liev Schreiber, the three segments include “They Came to Stay,“ presenting the earliest days of the Jewish experience beginning in the colonial days and through the 19th century. “The Best of Times, the Worst of Times” continues the story as Jews continued to find success in business and entertainment as the ever-present specter of anti-Semitism grew into something more overt.

The concluding chapter of The Jewish Americans, “Home,” depicts Jewish life in more modern times, as discrimination and overt anti-Semitism began to abate and Jews found new expression of their culture, faith, and ideals through Israel, entertainment, and social activism. As life grew more comfortable, more "American" and less traditionally Jewish, the form of that expression also changed, to the delight of some and the dismay of other, more traditional, Jews. But, as Grubin points out, American Jewish life does not necessarily mean forsaking one life for the other. Coming full circle with their ability to blend the antiquity of tradition with modern American life and even pop culture are people like reggae superstar Mattisyahu, who has found an uneasy symbiosis between the ancient Jewish texts of his lyrics and the hip-hop and reggae styles of his music, appealing in his Hasidic garb to Jews and non-Jews alike.

But for most American Jews, the documentary concludes, the challenge remains and constantly shifts as to how to best reconcile tradition and modernity. How can one blend the two together, while sacrificing not too much of either? It is, concludes one rabbi, being a “Jew by choice.”

The Jewish Americans is a worthwhile DVD set for anyone whose own parents came from a distant land, whether 300 years ago or last week. Michael Bacon's evocative musical score lends a rich cohesiveness to the story. Deeper explorations of the series' themes, including sources for further study, outtakes, clips, and educator resources are available at the PBS website. A CD of the score and a beautifully illustrated book by Beth Wenger are also available and make good companions to the DVD.