Description
Book SynopsisThis two-volume Journey of a Rabbi consists of essays describing ventures undertaken, events experienced, and ideas articulated that reflect the life work of a rabbi and Jewish educator. What threads its way throughout these writings is a persistent search for ways and means to revitalize Jewish life in our time.
Trade ReviewJack Shechter has created the American version of Continuing Jewish Education and his impact has been enormous. His enterprise has been characterized by vision and high academic standards; it has been pluralistic and diverse; it has been enjoyable and accessible to a searching laity. In years to come, he will be seen educationally as the American Franz Rosenzweig. -- Daniel Landes, rabbi, director of the Pardes Institute in Jerusalem, former director of education of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles
Here is the summing up of a life lived among the great personalities and issues of 20th century American Jewry with a compelling agenda for the 21st century. Rabbi Jack Shechter offers both a stirring story and a deep vision. -- Rabbi David Wolpe, Senior Rabbi, Sinai Temple, Los Angeles
As a faculty member and dean at the University of Judaism (now the American Jewish University) during the time that Rabbi Jack Shechter directed its Department of Continuing Education, I personally witnessed up close the learning venture he built. That venture is accurately depicted in these two volumes. . . . Moreover, this Journey is very much worth taking because Rabbi Shechter’s plethora of experiences and his wisdom should serve as a model for us all in how we too can and should apply the insights and values of Judaism to modernity. -- Elliot Dorff, PhD, rector and distinguished professor of philosophy at the American Jewish University
Dr. Jack Shechter’s book encompasses both theory and practice. As such, it provides the reader with deep substance, much of which is documented as having been actualized in the world of the here and now. Replete with power and pathos, it is a warm and personal account of the author’s life and work as an extraordinarily creative and effective educator. -- Elijah Schochet, rabbi, professor of rabbinic literature at the American Jewish University and author of The Hassidic Movement and the Gaon of Vilna
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter One: Early Influences Chapter Two: Mentors Chapter Three: From Orthodox to Conservative Chapter Four: The Synagogue Chapter Five: The Rabbinate Chapter Six: The Jewish Community Chapter Seven: The Conservative Movement Chapter Eight: The Imperatives of Learning Chapter Nine: Translating Learning Imperatives into Action Appendix One: Table of Contents For Volume Two of Journey of a Rabbi Appendix Two: Comments About Journey of a Rabbi—Volumes One and Two and About the Author’s Work About the Author
