Moral Resistance and Spiritual Authority: Study and Discussion Guide

Moral Resistance and Spiritual Authority: Our Jewish Obligation to Social Justice reminds us of our ancient obligation to bring justice to the world. The essays in this collection explore the spiritual underpinnings of our Jewish commitment to justice, using Jewish text and tradition, as well as contemporary sources and models. Among the topics covered are women's health, LGBTQ rights, healthcare, racial justice, speaking truth to power, and community organizing.

This study guide, written by Rabbi Vanessa Harper, includes both overarching questions for each of the book’s three parts (“Spiritual Authority,” “Moral Commitments,” and “Tools of Resistance”), as well as questions for each chapter. These questions are intended to deepen one’s engagement with the text itself, to examine one’s own position in relation to the issues the text brings forth, and to help the reader take steps to put their learning into action. Bear in mind that some of the questions marked “action” are more suited (though not limited) to those who are reading the book as part of a group, and many involve preparation in advance of a discussion or a lengthy process of research and organizing for the group.

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