Hope, Not Fear: A Path to Jewish Renaissance

by Edgar M. Bronfman, Beth Zasloff

A distinguished Jewish leader and philanthropist argues for openness and joy to reinvigorate Judaism in America.

After a lifetime of fighting the persecution of Jews, Edgar M. Bronfman has concluded that what North American Jews need now is hope, not fear. Bronfman urges North American Jewry "to build, not fight. We need to celebrate the joy in Judaism, even as we recognize our responsibility to alleviate suffering and to help heal a broken world. We need to understand Judaism as a multifaceted culture as well as a religion, and explore Jewish literature, music, and art. We need to understand our tradition of debate and questioning, and invite all to enter a conversation about our central texts, rituals, and laws. We need to open our book anew, and re-create a vital Judaism for our time."

Through a reexamination of important texts and via interviews with some of the leading figures in Judaism today, Bronfman outlines a new agenda for the Jewish community in North America, one that will ensure that Judaism grows and thrives in an open society. He calls for welcome without conditions for intermarried families and disengaged Jews, for a celebration of Jewish diversity, and for openness to innovation and young leadership. Hope, Not Fear is an impassioned plea for all who care about the future of Judaism to cultivate a Jewish practice that is open to the new as it delves into the old, that welcomes many voices, and that reaches out to make the world a better place.

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2008

Reviews

[Jonathan Levine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't recall how I had obtained this book; as an alumni to the Birthright Israel program it's possible that this was sent to me through the organization. I have had it in my possession for many years, but only recently have I read it. The premise is straightforward enough; encouraging Jews to be more open-minded in today's society without losing their faith. My primary issue is that it just seems outdated after less than 20 years. Of course relations between the Israelis and Palestinians have not improved; they've actually gotten worse. The book seems to suggest that Western Jews shouldn't consider antisemitism an issue anymore, when it's vividly clear it's a factor across the board. To even suggest that you have Zionist feelings is shunned now, and Jewish students at liberal schools all over are feeling isolated. How can you convince them to maintain their faith when they've become prisoners in their own institutions? While the book does give valid points on suggesting how the 21st Century Jew should be open to new ideals, it ignores the issues in light of the current war; it is outdated. Calling for a divestment from organizations supporting the fight against antisemitism isn't helpful at all.