What It Is About
Michael Lerner, a vocal advocate for progressive Judaism, founded Tikkun magazine in 1986. He aimed to reignite the Jewish community’s focus on prophetic traditions and push for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unfortunately, Lerner passed away at his home in Northern California, leaving behind a significant legacy.
Why It Matters
Lerner was a dynamic figure dedicated to fostering a balanced dialogue on Israeli policy and Jewish spirituality. His magazine, Tikkun, published articles advocating for both Israeli security and the pursuit of peace. It became an intellectual platform for liberal Jewish voices and sought to harmonize ethical, psychological, and spiritual considerations within public policy.
How Tikkun Influenced Jewish and American Thought
Pushing for a two-state solution and promoting causes like workers’ rights and feminism, Tikkun became an influential outlet. Notably, First Lady Hillary Clinton highlighted Lerner’s “politics of meaning” to emphasize his approach to incorporating moral principles in policy-making.
A Voice for Peace
Throughout its run, Tikkun boldly supported solutions for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, enriching Jewish thought by stressing nonviolence and compassion for all peoples. Lerner’s steadfast belief was that long-term peace was contingent on credible and good relations with neighboring countries. Such positions were often taken despite societal pushback and controversy.
A Complex Legacy
Lerner’s boldness occasionally sparked controversy, such as when he used pseudonyms to pen letters to Tikkun or during his public spat with Alan Dershowitz. But his primary motivation remained showcasing the nuanced spectrum of liberal Jewish thought.
Facing Challenges
Despite its contributions, Tikkun ceased regular print publication by spring 2020 due to financial difficulties. Yet, it still resonated online and curated significant issues annually, mirroring the continuous thirst for enlightened and justice-oriented approaches in Israeli and Jewish discourse.
Life Journey and Impact
Born in 1943 in Newark, New Jersey, Lerner was deeply influenced by his Jewish roots. He was a pivotal figure in student activism during the ’60s, particularly at the University of California, Berkeley. Over his life, he pivoted between rigorous academic roles and being a shepherd of Jewish spiritual progressivism.
Thought Leadership and Activism
Lerner authored numerous impactful books and passionately voiced support for just and compassionate Israeli policies. Despite changing opinions in the Jewish establishment, Lerner’s dedication to balanced and compassionate advocacy remained foundational to his life’s work.
His Enduring Vision
Though the two-state solution and his vision haven’t fully materialized, Lerner inspired many by championing a compassionate and humane discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “The only way to engage wisely in this conflict is to have compassion for everyone involved,” he emphasized.
Lerner’s life and work encapsulate his enduring dedication to a harmonious world – one fueled by compassion and ethical imperatives for both Israel and all its neighbors.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.