From Judaism’s rich history of
prophetic justice comes an inspiring call to action.
Why is it that Jews are so involved in
causes dedicated to justice, equality, human rights and peace?
Are these trends influenced by religion, history, sociology or
something else?
In this provocative exploration, Rabbi
Sidney Schwarz, founder and president of PANIM: The Institute
for Jewish Leadership and Values, sheds light on the
relationship between Judaism, social justice and the Jewish
identity of American Jews. He traces how the idea of justice,
as developed in the sacred texts of Judaism, conditions Jewish
attitudes and behavior. In a fascinating portrayal of some of
the major issues facing the Jewish community in the last fifty
years, Schwarz explores a community torn between its instincts
for self-preservation and its desire to serve as an ethical
“light to the nations.”
This powerful and empowering book will
provide you with a starting point for meaningful
engagement—and a new way to understand Jewish identity.
“One of the most accessible books
written on Judaism and social justice…. Provides the kind
of compelling language and story that can lead to a closer
connection with Jewish life.”
—Rabbi
David Saperstein, director,
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
“A bold vision. Will particularly
resonate with today’s young Jews who are seeking new
definitions of Jewish identity and meaning that are both
uniquely Jewish and universally human. A significant
contribution for anyone who cares about the future of the
Jewish people and our imperative to repair our broken
world.”
—Lynn
Schusterman, president,
Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation
“A forceful and provocative analysis.... Offers a renewed vision for a Jewish community built around a commitment to social justice.”
—New York Jewish Week
“An original analysis of the
contemporary American Jewish condition, but, even more
importantly, an exciting prescription for a Judaism that
combines a commitment to justice and righteousness with
kedusha, ‘holy apartness’.”
—Rabbi
Irving Greenberg, president, Jewish
Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation
“Breaks new ground. Connects the
deep roots of social justice with Jewish thought and the
American experience … in a voice that awakens and summons
us. Will enable non-Jews to appreciate the Jewish passion for
freedom that we as Jews connect to equality and
justice.”
—David
Cohen, cofounder, Advocacy
Institute; former president, Common Cause
“A thoughtful, important and timely
book. Not only does it help to describe and explain
today’s exciting revival of social justice activism among
Jews, it is quite likely going to accelerate that
phenomenon.… Helps to redefine Judaism’s moral
center in a way that is both clear and compelling.”
—Rabbi
Rachel Cowan, executive
director, Institute for Jewish Spirituality
“Provides a long awaited prophetic
vision for the nexus between Jewish tradition, culture and
commitment to social justice. Rich and nuanced … combines
an informative history of Jewish activism in the worlds of
political and social action, and a persuasive reading of Jewish
texts, arguing for their relevance as a source of guidance for
Jews and for the world…. A must read.”
—David
Gordis, PhD, president and
professor of rabbinics, Hebrew College, Boston
Ruth Messinger is
the director of American Jewish World Service.
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