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Arthur Waskow
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Arthur Waskow
Born
Arthur Irwin Waskow

October 12, 1933 (1933-10-12)
Occupation American author, political activist, and rabbi associated with the Jewish Renewal movement
Spouse(s) Phyllis Berman

Arthur Waskow, born on October 12, 1933, is an American author and activist. He is also a rabbi, which is a Jewish religious leader. He is known for his work with the Jewish Renewal movement, which is a modern way of practicing Judaism.

Early Life and Education

Arthur Waskow was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He went to Johns Hopkins University and earned a bachelor's degree in 1954. Later, he received a Ph.D. in American history from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Starting His Career

From 1959 to 1961, Waskow worked for Congressman Robert Kastenmeier. He helped the congressman with laws and other tasks. He then worked at the Peace Research Institute from 1961 to 1963. In 1963, he helped start the Institute for Policy Studies. He worked there as a researcher until 1977.

Political Involvement

In 1968, Waskow was chosen as a delegate for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He supported Robert F. Kennedy. After Kennedy's death, Waskow suggested that Reverend Channing Phillips be nominated for President. Phillips became the first Black American to be nominated at a major party convention.

Activism and Social Change

Arthur Waskow was very active in speaking out against the Vietnam War in the 1960s. He wrote articles and gave speeches. He also took part in nonviolent protests.

Fighting for Rights

Waskow participated in many protests against unfairness. He was arrested several times for protesting racial segregation. He also protested the Vietnam War and the oppression of Jews in the Soviet Union. He spoke out against apartheid in South Africa and the Iraq War.

In 1967, he co-wrote "A Call to Resist Illegitimate Authority." This important paper supported people who refused to join the military during the Vietnam War. In 1968, he joined others in refusing to pay taxes. This was a protest against the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

The Freedom Seder

In 1969, Waskow's "Freedom Seder" was published. A Seder is a special meal during the Jewish holiday of Passover. His "Freedom Seder" was unique. It connected the ancient story of the Israelites escaping slavery in Egypt. It also linked this story to modern struggles for freedom. These included the Civil Rights Movement and the women's movement.

Religious Leadership and Jewish Renewal

Since 1969, Waskow has been a leader in the Jewish Renewal movement. This movement aims to make Jewish life more spiritual and meaningful.

Founding The Shalom Center

In 1983, Waskow started The Shalom Center. At first, it focused on preventing nuclear war. Over time, its focus changed to other important issues. These included protecting the environment and human rights. More recently, it has focused on the dangers of global warming and the climate crisis.

Becoming a Rabbi

In 1995, Arthur Waskow became a rabbi. He was ordained by a special group of rabbis from different Jewish traditions. This showed his commitment to bringing different Jewish groups together.

Teaching and Writing

Waskow taught at several universities and colleges. He taught about Jewish thought and religion. He also wrote many books. Some of his well-known books include Godwrestling and Seasons of Our Joy. He co-authored The Tent of Abraham with other religious leaders. He also wrote books with his wife, Rabbi Phyllis Berman. These books often explored Jewish stories and ideas for healing the world.

Views and Public Recognition

Waskow has been a pioneer in many areas. He supported equal rights for women and LGBTQ+ people in Jewish life. This included supporting same-sex marriage.

Advocacy for Peace and Environment

He strongly opposed the Vietnam and Iraq wars. After visiting Israel and the Occupied Territories in 1969, he urged for a two-state peace agreement between Israel and Palestine. He believes that protecting the planet from climate change is a key Jewish value. He also thinks that too much power held by a few rich people is like the "pharaoh" of ancient times.

In 2011, he helped inspire "Kol Nidre in the Streets." This was part of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Since 2012, he has been part of the US National Council of Elders. This group connects older activists with new movements for justice and peace.

Eco-Judaism

Waskow helped create "Eco-Judaism." This idea connects Jewish teachings with environmental protection. He wrote books like Torah of the Earth. He also organized events like the Green Menorah project. He participated in climate protests and was arrested for nonviolent civil disobedience.

Awards and Honors

In 2007, Newsweek magazine named him one of the fifty most influential American rabbis. He received awards for his religious leadership and work for peace and justice. In 2014, T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2015, The Jewish Daily Forward called him one of "America's most inspiring rabbis."

In 2017, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College gave him an honorary doctorate.

Continuing Activism

Arthur Waskow has been arrested many times for nonviolent protests. His first arrest was in 1963, protesting racial segregation. He continued to protest against racism, war, pollution, and unfair election processes. He sees these arrests as honorable and religious acts. He continues to write and speak about social justice through a Jewish lens. His papers are kept in historical archives for future study.

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