Hal M. Lewis is associate professor of Contemporary Jewish Studies and dean of public programming at Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies in Chicago. An experienced organizational executive, he is the author of Models and Meanings in the History of Jewish Leadership and many essays on leadership and the contemporary Jewish community. More information can be found here.
From Sanctuary to Boardroom is an exquisite addition to the
leadership literature. Culling experience and wisdom from across
the millennia, from Mt. Sinai to America's synagogues, Lewis brings
the reader into an ongoing Jewish conversation about leadership,
follower-ship, and power. He draws wonderfully poetic and
provocative insights into the core principles of Jewish leadership,
resulting in a text for self-reflection, group study, and a
deepening and renewing of communal organizations and their
leadership. From Sanctuary to Boardroom holds particular resonance
for those of us who work in the Jewish community, but also holds
intellectual riches for anyone who seeks resource material on
leadership's first principles.
*Amy L. Sales Ph.D, Director and Senior Research Scientist,
Fisher-Bernstein Institute for Jewish Philanthropy and Leadership,
Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, Brandeis University*
The future of North American Jewry rests on our ability to train
visionary leaders who inspire our communities and are deeply
grounded in Jewish values. Hal Lewis' masterful work assembles a
wealth of texts, a ready-made curriculum that will promote spirited
discussion and thoughtful engagement with traditional sources.
Lewis's nuanced discussions of the uses and potential abuses of
power have essential contemporary relevance at a time when we
search for role models committed to ethical leadership. From
Sanctuary to Boardroom will go on the required reading list for
both our governing board and our student leadership.
*Rabbi Jeffrey A. Summit, executive director, Tufts University
Hillel*
Hal Lewis has done all of us a great favor. In reviewing centuries
of Jewish literature and modern theories of leadership he has
created a handbook for all of those who wish to make a difference,
not only in the Jewish world but in the world-at-large. From
Sanctuary to Boardroom reminds us that a leader needs followers and
leaders must embody the best of competence and good character. When
leadership is seen as a partnership then organizations move
forward, visions are realized and goals are met. I encourage all
those who are leaders, who wish to be leaders, or simply are
involved in any form of organizational life, whether it be
religious or secular, to carefully read the book for in it is much
knowledge and great truth.
*Rabbi Vernon Kurtz, past President, International Rabbinical
Assembly*
The book, which discusses topics including authority, charisma,
uses and abuses of power, and shared power, juxtaposes classical
Jewish writings and insights on effective leadership with
contemporary best practices of leadership initiated by top
academics and business people today.
*Chicago Jewish Community Online*
His...comprehensive book, complete with index and bibliography,
deserves a place on the shelves of university, seminary, and larger
synagogue libraries.
*AJL Newsletter*
This book is a truly remarkable accomplishment. Hal Lewis has
brilliantly synthesized Jewish wisdom through the ages with modern
literature on leadership styles, values and efficacy. His challenge
to those who call themselves leaders is a clarion call for all who
aspire to or claim that role for today and tomorrow to master both
worlds of wisdom. The abiding nature of Jewish teachings has been
mined and polished in ways I've not seen before. This book demands
a presence in the libraries of Jewish volunteers and professionals
to be visited and re-visited through time beyond measure.
*Gerald Bubis, founding director of Hebrew Union College's School
of Jewish Communal Service and Alfred Gottschalk Professor Emeritus
of Jewish*
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