Jews and Blacks: A Dialogue on Race, Religion, and Culture in America

by Michael Lerner, Cornel West

"Credible and important."— Kirkus Reviews

Examining the issues that have united Blacks and Jews in the past and now separate them, two long-time friends and leading intellectuals try to restore the special relationship between the two groups in a hard-hitting and worthwhile exchange.

Can Jews and Blacks be friends and allies once again? It's neither easy nor impossible, say Michael Lerner and Cornel West, in a dialogue that looks at the most pressing problems of contemporary America through the prism of the relationship between their two communities. In a dialogue that is always respectful, though sometimes marked by tension, they help each other understand their different ways of looking at the world. Avoiding easy outs and quick fixes, they explore such subjects as Louis Farrakhan, Zionism, the economic inequalities between Jewish and Black communities, crime, and affirmative action.

Both powerful public intellectuals, Lerner and West take on some of the most demanding problems of our time, in a sophisticated but extremely accessible way. They conclude with a plan for healing the rifts that have developed. But in a deeper sense, it is their dialogue itself that is healing. A model for both the Black and Jewish communities, this book suggests that healing and transformation are possible, and that hope can triumph over cynicism and despair.

With a new epilogue on the O.J. Simpson verdict and the Million Man March.

Genres: Race, Jewish, Politics, Judaism, Philosophy, Sociology, African American

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 1995

About the author

Michael Lerner was an American political activist, the editor of Tikkun, a progressive Jewish interfaith magazine based in Berkeley, California, and the rabbi of Beyt Tikkun Synagogue in Berkeley.

Reviews

[Katy Rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are black, Jewish, both or neither, I couldn't recommend this book more. It's a rare opportunity that we get to learn about complex topics by slowly ingesting an extensive dialogue between two academic and social experts on the subject, and this book does not disappoint. The main benefit of this medium was that it allowed neither voice to dominate, creating true critical discourse. It also amazed me that even though these conversations are slightly dated (especially evidenced in the chapter about Minister Farrakhan), the overarching issues are still fiercely relevant. Every American should read this to learn more about the cultural landscape of their country!

[David]

This book on race relations is also very deeply steeped in liberal politics and to a lesser extent, religion. The book is extremely intellectually stimulating and covers this issue from many different aspects. West and Lerner get extremely in-depth on the subject matter. The book is written by both authors as an incredibly politically liberal piece. Both men are religious leaders who are very firmly in the political left. The book is largely framed as how the Black and Jewish communities can come together to defeat the right wing. Both authors are religious, political, and ethnic leaders who share common motivations and represent groups that have been traditionally liberal. The main shortcoming of the book is that while it is still a pertinent issue, the book is very dated to the mid 90s, when it came out. There is a lot of discussion about Bill Clinton's administration and to Louis Farakhan (the main cause of disagreement for the two authors). Both Clinton and Farakhan take important roles in the book and neither are arguably as socially relevant as they were in the mid 90s. It also focuses a lot on economics and social justice.

[Eddie Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting conversation. The discourse seemed a bit stunted at times because of some of the contradictions. I personally feel that West approached the conversation with more respect and gravitas than Lerner. I also felt that Lerner was more defensive in the face of his own racist or prejudice ideals than I appreciated. I walked away with a more comprehensive view of why the relationship between the two demographics is the way it is today.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most amazing books I've ever read. Lerner and West's conversation is as moving in text as it must have been in person. The conversation is frank and without reservation and worth any reader's time.

[Ferret · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have many arguments I could have with either of the two, but I admire them tremendously for having the conversation, not being afraid to criticize each other, and not just giving in when there's irreconciliable differences.

[Ryan Mishap · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting conversations between the two although both suffer from liberalitis (as opposed to liberatory inclinations).