New York - Reform Judaism and Zionism have been two of the most transformative movements in Jewish life for generations. Standing between these two great forces, pulling them ever closer together, has been Rabbi Richard Hirsch.
For the Sake of Zion, a recent release from URJ Press, traces Rabbi Hirsch's initiatives to build and support Progressive Judaism in Israel and to integrate Reform Judaism into the Zionist movement.
It also explores the major historical events in the international Jewish community over the last 40 years, and Rabbi Hirsch's key role in many of them.
For the Sake of Zion is fascinating and instructive reading for anyone seeking a better understanding of the Reform Movement outside North America.
FACT SHEET
Title: For the Sake of Zion Publisher: URJ Press Author: Richard G. Hirsch Binding: Paperback Pages: 360 Age Range: Adult Categories: Judaism, Israel, History ISBN: 978-0-8074-1188-9
Release Date February 2011
140 Character Review For the Sake of Zion traces Rabbi Hirsch's work building Progressive Judaism in Israel integrating Reform Judaism into the Zionist movement
About the Author Rabbi Richard G. Hirsch was founding director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Washington, D.C., which he served from 1962 to 1973. In 1973, he moved to Israel to become executive director of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. Upon his retirement in 1999, he was elected honorary life president of WUPJ. Rabbi Hirsch remains an active leader in the Jewish Agency for Israel and the World Zionist Organization. In 2010, he was one of twelve Israelis invited to light a torch during Israel's official Independence Day ceremonies, the first Reform rabbi to be so honored. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Bella, with whom he has four children and eleven grandchildren.
About URJ Press URJ Press is the book publishing arm of URJ Books and Music, an independent publisher of books and music of Jewish interest and the official publisher of the Union for Reform Judaism. URJ Books and Music produces textbooks, program guides, children's books, non-fiction titles, songbooks, CDs, MP3s and other digital content used in religious schools, day schools, synagogues, and homes throughout the Reform community and the larger Jewish world.
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