’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 …
Spis treści
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
O autorze
Alan M. Dershowitz is the Felix Frankfurter Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and author of many books.