Posted on November 19, 2009
Last night I had the privilege of attending the New York book launch party for The Jewish Sages of Today: Profiles of Extraordinary People at the Museum of Biblical Art. The book edited by Aryeh Rubin, founder and director of Targum Shlishi profiles twenty seven people from a range of fields and across the spectrum of Judaism that have all and still do contribute to making the world a better place. I was energized and inspired by Aryeh’s remarks and think The Jewish Sages of Today is a powerful resource that should be incorporated into the educational curriculum of our school, synagogues and leadership programs.
Recently through the Jewish Community Heroes contest and inquires on the LookJed list on leaders and heroes the Jewish community has focused on heroes and leadership. It is clear that people are searching for role models that they can highlight in their classrooms and communities. The Jewish Sages of Today is such a resource and it has something for everyone. If you are looking for modern Jewish examples, role models or leaders in art, education, feminism, journalism, music, philanthropy and in many other disciplines than this book is for you. Educators will be able to utilize the book as an educational resource with lesson plans the foundation is developing.
I am grateful to Targum Shlishi for their past support, enabling Areyvut to share this important book with the students we work with, for the inspiration and for creating a dialogue about Jewish leadership and engagement.
