Customer Reviews

Hope, Not Fear: A Path to Jewish Renaissance

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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This is a book by a man who knows what to say and is not afraid to say it. His independent thinking is refreshing. And as a major spokesperson in the community, people listen to what he has to say at a time when others are afraid to say it. Don't wait to borrow the book or wait until it reaches your local library. Buy it now and then begin to implement his suggestions immediately in your community. The Jewish communal future may depend on it.

Rabbi Kerry Olitzky

This book was not only a technical collaboration between a giant in Jewish philanthropy and a talented writer, but one of the intellect and spirit. It is not only a book of advocacy, but, for me, it is more importantly, a book of learning. Edgar Bronfman and Beth Zasloff have plumbed the Torah that they have internalized and use it as a referent for the many ideas in this book. The conclusions are their own, but they are rooted in the Torah. This is what is unusual about this book. It is informed constantly by the Torah both Beth Zasloff and Edgar Bronfman have learned. They have internalized the lessons that they have learned and they proudly share them throughout the book. Most reviewers focus on what they have said here, but I am deeply impressed, by how they chose to say it.

As one of this book's intended audience (a thirty-five-year-old un-involved Jew) I found it very moving. It is a positive, generous, deeply thoughtful invitation that has to be taken seriously. I skimmed the camping chapter, but overall found it extremely readable and lively. It's convincingly personal: Bronfman's open regrets strengthen the book. I never knew there was such a word as "Jewishly"!

This important new book is a guide to some of the most creative ideas and initiatives in the Jewish community today. Like the multigenerational partnership of the authors themselves, it demonstrates that innovation is not limited to the young, nor frustration to the unaffiliated. The interviews with thinkers and activists from across the spectrum of Jewish life reveal that as diverse as their perspectives are, they all have (at least) one thing in common: for them, creating a Jewish life and a Jewish community is about building a future, not surviving the past. Hear, hear.

I started to read Edgar's book, (he is a member of the shul in the Wood River Valley of Idaho where I have lived for the last 11 years) and was about half-way through it when, taken by Mr. Bronfman's ideas, I passed it on to my current rabbi in Oklahoma City for his edification and comments. Edgar's ideas in this book conform quite closely to the feeling I have had for some time about the experiences Judisim has brought to me as I try to find my way. I can hardly wait until I get it back to complete my read and hope to have more to think about with the rabbi's input.

What Bronfman says, Reconstructionism has been saying - and practicing - for decades. So his message is not exactly new or original. Then again, since Bronfman represents mainstream Jews and Reconstructionism, alas, doesn't, it's just as well that the mainstream, apparently, finally sees the light.
If you read this book, agree with it, and then wonder where to turn, look for your nearest Reconstructionist congregation. They've been there and done that ages ago. And they still do.

Great reading material, it is a very interesting look into the Jewish Renaissance. The book arrived in great condition and in a timely manner.