The New Rabbi by Stephen Fried is an absolute MUST READ! I recently finished the book and have been recommending it to a number of other rabbis and leaders. I originally came across the book a few years ago. However, a recent leadership decision prompted me to pick-up the book and read it.
Written by an award-winning investigative journalist, the book chronicles the politics of community, the power of inspirational leaders, the retail business of religion, the yearning for spirituality, and the wonderfully complicated world of American Jews.
Although a work of non-fiction, the book reads like a novel - full of excitement, intrigue, and emotion. Stephen Fried is able to write a book that pulls you into the story and gives you a glimpse into the search process of finding a new rabbi.
The center of this compelling chronicle is Har Zion Temple in Philadelphia, which for the last eighty years has been one of the largest and most influential congregations in America. For thirty years Rabbi Gerald Wolpe was its spiritual leader - a brilliant sermonizer of wide renown. But with the announcement of his retirement, a remarkable nationwide search process is begun. The story of how such a congregation searches for a new leader is largely unknown to the lay world. During this dramatic moment, Wolpe agreed to give extraordinary access to Fried, inviting him - and the reader - into the intense personal and professional life of the clergy and the complex behind-the-scenes life of a major Conservative congregation. The result is a front-row seat at the usually clandestine process of choosing a new rabbi - as what was expected to be a simple search for a successor nearly tears a venerable congregation apart.
If you are part of a search committee looking for a new congregational leader, if you are currently a congregational leader looking to retire, or if you are a newly hired young leader - this book is for you. And even if you are none-of-the-above, but are intrigued at the inner workings of the clergy and the politics of congregational life, you too will enjoy this quick, easy to read, and well-written book.
And make sure to read the paperback which has a new afterward which gives an update on the congregation, the rabbi, and many of the other individuals in the book.
I cannot recommend this book enough. Pick it up and let me know what you think!
It's a very interesting read. One major lesson: Don't expect a congregation to change just because you come along. Better to see what trajectory they're on and move with that. Then they're likely to be more open to a little change.
Rabbi,
thanks so much for your kind words about my book, The New Rabbi. I hope you read the paperback edition, because it has an entire new chapter in the back updating the story. I'm always interested in hearing from readers of the book, and am still sometimes invited to speak at synagogues going through leadership changes. If you need to reach me, best way is through the facebook page for the book http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-New-Rabbi/125589084166366?ref=ts
I look forward to hearing from you and your readers.
Stephen Fried
www.stephenfried.com
Mr. Fried,
Thank you for stopping by. I have definitely been passing on a good word and will continue to do so!
I interviewed Mr. Fried and reviewed the book several years ago. Beyond giving a fascinating insight into the workings of synagogue life, it's just a solid piece of journalism. I also highly recommend it for anyone interested in Judaism and for reporters and writers to learn from.