Memoirs of a Hopeful Pessimist: A Life of Activism through Dialogue [Hardcover]

For many people, "observant Jew," "feminist," and "interfaith pioneer" are not necessarily words they would put together in the same sentence. And yet, in this book by Dr. Debbie Weissman, each is a vitally important aspect of a dynamic and passionate life.

 

Between 2008 and 2014, Weissman broke new ground by serving two terms as the first Jewish woman president of the International Council of Christians and Jews (ICCJ). On her quest to do interfaith work, she tells about meeting people from other religions and the unique friendships that ensue. Weissman does not have a ringside seat to history; she is in the ring itself, having created institutions and movements in areas such as interfaith relations, women's education, Israeli peace initiatives, a new prayer community, and much more.

 

Her engaging journey - related with humor, grace, and style - discovers meaning and hope in the life of a pessimist.

"An engaging memoir of a much-travelled life. Weissman tells of her involvement in many historic movements: Jewish education, Zionism, orthodox feminism, and inter-faith work, as well as the founding of a progressive Orthodox synagogue community in Jerusalem. She describes the development of a religious and political consciousness 'dancing,' as she puts it, between opposite poles of tradition and liberalism. An often wry humor marks her account of the personal and the public dimensions of her career. Both idealistic and pragmatic, her memoir is a fitting testimony to a life of commitment and achievement." —Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg, author,The Beginning of Desire: Reflections on Genesis

"Reading Debbie Weissman’s memoir leaves us with some hope… whose teaching and writing in Israel and the Diaspora and commitment to dialogue between people of different faiths have had a world-wide impact… An insight into thls5