Communities of Purpose, Lives of Meaning: Shaping American Judiasm and Jewish Identity in the 21st Century

We are living in a highly charged environment where change seems possible and the American Jewish community has the power to define itself. But without acknowledging that some of our models are no longer effective, we stand in our own way of shaping the Jewish future into all that it can be. Drawing on over twenty years of leadership at the first and oldest Jewish Federation in America, Barry Shrage boldly calls us to renew Jewish life in America by creating a new spiritual vision and a clear statement for Jews as a community and as a people. He challenges us to break free from outdated methods of growing and strengthening Jewish community. He offers practical ideas for reinvigorating the interest of new generations to understand and embrace Jewish culture, values, history, spirituality and learning. He presents the conceptual framework for seizing the opportunities currently facing the American Jewish community by: . * Creating communities of learning, service and compassion * Redefining synagogues from "houses of prayer" to transformational gateways of spiritual sustenance * Renewing the meaning in peoplehood, identity and Jewish education through the lens of modernity * Inspiring and training the future leaders who will pass on this vision to future generations.