I am honored to announce that Changing the World from the Inside Out won the 2016 National Jewish Book Award for Contemporary Jewish Life and Practice. It is particularly meaningful to me that this is the Myra H. Kraft Memorial Award. As many know, Myra was a life-long Jewish communal lay leader and philanthropist at the highest levels of the JDC and other organizations whose dedication to the Jewish people world-wide and to Israel is legendary. It is my hope that this book will empower contemporary communal activists to draw on the deep wellsprings of inspiration in Jewish wisdom to fuel effective, sustainable action on the many challenges facing our people and planet. Before our eyes we see how deep emotional and cultural issues like fear and loss of identity are inhibiting our ability to come together take on major global issues like climate change, income inequality and violent, identity-based conflict. This next period will demand that activists bring their most resilient, compassionate, and wise selves to the tough fights ahead. Rabbi Abraham Joshuah Heschel famously wrote, “…in regard to cruelties committed in the name of a free society, some are guilty, while all are responsible.” Jewish wisdom, particularly our spiritual paths of Mussar and Hassidut, offer the guidance and practices for taking this responsibility in a way that builds and does not destroy, that creates connection and not more separation and honors the dignity and sovereignty of all people.
Very honored,
David
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