Through interviews and participant observation of young adult Americans Jews, Cousens understands the nuances of the concept of Jewish community (ies) for this group. Through her work, she comes to see Peoplehood as an ongoing dialogue , "even a tense dialogue – with Israel, the Jewish people, and the Jewish narrative. This is the essence of being in relationship… Peoplehood is a process, not an outcome, and it involves being present, showing up."