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"Avi doesn't only talk the talk, or even walk the walk. He writes the instruction manual. This book shows a way, perhaps not the only way but one indispensable way, of being an activist on behalf of the Jewish people. Read it and learn."
—from the Foreword by Alan M. Dershowitz I
n this age of perpetual strife and conflict, we need now more than ever to find out how to be proactive in repairing our broken world. Rabbi Avraham Weiss's provocative and challenging guidebook will show you just that—and so much more.
With easy-to-follow steps, accessible explanations of the principles of spiritual activism and an exploration into the foundations of spiritual activism as rooted in the Torah, Weiss offers more than simply a user manual—he provides an in-depth approach to changing your role in the world.
Topics include:
• Why, How and When Do We Engage in Spiritual Activism?
• Choosing the Cause
• Making Partners
• Designing the Strategy
• Leading Other People
• Seeing the Big Picture
• And more …
"One of the most interesting books on the last forty years of American Jewish life that I have read…. A rare combination of passionate love of the Jewish people and love of ethics and goodness."
—Dennis Prager, nationally syndicated radio talk-show host and columnist, and bestselling author
“A testimony to the power of conscience, courage and compassion. Breathes with the love of the Jewish people, drawn from the spirit of Jewish moral sensibility and the energy of Jewish ethical activity.”
—Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis, Valley Beth Shalom
“A serious treatise on activism. Outlines the what, the why and the how—how to be an activist, how to root our activism in our faith, how we might begin to emulate the life choices Rabbi Weiss has made in order to protect the Jewish people and improve our future.... Immensely rewarding.”
—Ruth Messinger, president, American Jewish World Service
“Masterfully weaves rich insights from Jewish text and tradition with the powerful moral and political lessons from [Weiss's] unparalleled experiences as one of American Jewry’s most courageous, inspiring and, yes, controversial spiritual activists.”
—Rabbi David Saperstein, director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
“Proves [Weiss] is a pioneer not only in practicing activism but also in developing the theoretical foundations of the role of activism in organized Jewish community life. A must read for all who want to understand the power of activism to effect change.”
—Natan Sharansky
“Profound and insightful.... Responds to the central challenges to the Jewish people from the latter part of the twentieth century.”
—Rabbi Saul J. Berman, director, Continuing Rabbinic Education at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School
Foreword xi
A Parable xiii
Preface xv
What Is Spiritual Activism? xviii
Spiritual Activism Is a Tree of Life xix
Part I
Foundations of Spiritual Activism 1
1. Why Do We Engage in Spiritual Activism?
A Partnership between God and Humankind 52. How Do We Engage in Spiritual Activism?
A Balance between Public Protest and
Quiet Diplomacy 9
3. When Do We Engage in Spiritual Activism?
Action That Benefits the Larger Community 15
Part II
Pillars of Spiritual Activism 19
4. Loving Other Jews: Ahavat Yisrael 23
5. Acting on Behalf of Other Jews: Pe'ilut Yisrael 27
6. The Unity of Israel: Achdut Yisrael 31
7. Nurturing Jewish Spirituality: Ruach Yisrael 35
8. The Centrality of the State of Israel: Medinat Yisrael 39
9. Loving Humankind: Ahavat Habriyot 43
Part III
Principles of Spiritual Activism 47
10. Step 1: Choosing the Cause 51
11. Step 2: Making Partners 75
12. Step 3: Designing the Strategy 101
13. Step 4: Leading Other People 127
14. Step 5: Seeing the Big Picture 151
Every Action Counts 167
The Spiritual Activist’s Action Plan 171
Notes 185
Acknowledgments 190