From Sanctuary to Boardroom: A Jewish Approach to Leadership

What does the Jewish tradition have to say about leadership? It is a central theme of Jewish history and a pressing concern for contemporary Jewish organizational life. From Sanctuary to Boardroom: A Jewish Approach to Leadership examines key Jewish texts on leadership and applies these concepts to today's issues associated with leading and managing organizations. Discussing subjects such as authority, charisma, uses and abuses of power, and shared power, the book offers an understanding of the key classical models of Jewish leadership, helps explicate these models in clear and communicative style, and translates these models into issues and questions which are the core of contemporary concern of existing and future Jewish leaders.

About the Author :
Hal M. Lewis is associate professor of Contemporary Jewish Studies and dean of public programming at Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies in Chicago. An experienced organizational executive, he is the author of Models and Meanings in the History of Jewish Leadership and many essays on leadership and the contemporary Jewish community. More information can be found here.

Review :
From Sanctuary to Boardroom is an exquisite addition to the leadership literature. Culling experience and wisdom from across the millennia, from Mt. Sinai to America's synagogues, Lewis brings the reader into an ongoing Jewish conversation about leadership, follower-ship, and power. He draws wonderfully poetic and provocative insights into the core principles of Jewish leadership, resulting in a text for self-reflection, group study, and a deepening and renewing of communal organizations and their leadership. From Sanctuary to Boardroom holds particular resonance for those of us who work in the Jewish community, but also holds intellectual riches for anyone who seeks resource material on leadership's first principles. The future of North American Jewry rests on our ability to train visionary leaders who inspire our communities and are deeply grounded in Jewish values. Hal Lewis' masterful work assembles a wealth of texts, a ready-made curriculum that will promote spirited discussion and thoughtful engagement with traditional sources. Lewis's nuanced discussions of the uses and potential abuses of power have essential contemporary relevance at a time when we search for role models committed to ethical leadership. From Sanctuary to Boardroom will go on the required reading list for both our governing board and our student leadership. Hal Lewis has done all of us a great favor. In reviewing centuries of Jewish literature and modern theories of leadership he has created a handbook for all of those who wish to make a difference, not only in the Jewish world but in the world-at-large. From Sanctuary to Boardroom reminds us that a leader needs followers and leaders must embody the best of competence and good character. When leadership is seen as a partnership then organizations move forward, visions are realized and goals are met. I encourage all those who are leaders, who wish to be leaders, or simply are involved in any form of organizational life, whether it be religious or secular, to carefully read the book for in it is much knowledge and great truth. The book, which discusses topics including authority, charisma, uses and abuses of power, and shared power, juxtaposes classical Jewish writings and insights on effective leadership with contemporary best practices of leadership initiated by top academics and business people today. His...comprehensive book, complete with index and bibliography, deserves a place on the shelves of university, seminary, and larger synagogue libraries. This book is a truly remarkable accomplishment. Hal Lewis has brilliantly synthesized Jewish wisdom through the ages with modern literature on leadership styles, values and efficacy. His challenge to those who call themselves leaders is a clarion call for all who aspire to or claim that role for today and tomorrow to master both worlds of wisdom. The abiding nature of Jewish teachings has been mined and polished in ways I've not seen before. This book demands a presence in the libraries of Jewish volunteers and professionals to be visited and re-visited through time beyond measure.