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To Build a Brave Space: The Making of a Spiritual First Responder
A memoir of becoming, To Build a Brave Space takes the reader on one rabbi’s journey of self-discovery and intellectual evolution—from a free-spirited liberal teenager to the leader of a large suburban congregation, through several national and global crises and countless personal experiences.
When I was a boy, I told my mother I wanted to become a rabbi on a motorcycle. This was a joke in our family for many years. As a young man, despite my love of Israel and a strong spiritual and cultural connection to Judaism, I would not have believed that my own childhood prediction would become a reality. And yet, for over twenty-five years, I have served large synagogue congregations and shepherded hundreds of families through unspeakable tragedy, unfettered joy, and complicated times in our country’s history.
This book is a reflection on where I came from and how I got to my current place as the Senior Rabbi of a Temple, B’nai Jeshurun of Short Hills, NJ. Not only have I grown and changed professionally from my early days of rabbinical school, but my philosophy on how to lead a community and how to bring people together during trying times has evolved over many years of trial and error. My hope is to inspire other clergy and people in general to find a way to help their communities thrive, even during our current climate of fractured politics and overt hostility among one another.
When I was a boy, I told my mother I wanted to become a rabbi on a motorcycle. This was a joke in our family for many years. As a young man, despite my love of Israel and a strong spiritual and cultural connection to Judaism, I would not have believed that my own childhood prediction would become a reality. And yet, for over twenty-five years, I have served large synagogue congregations and shepherded hundreds of families through unspeakable tragedy, unfettered joy, and complicated times in our country’s history.
This book is a reflection on where I came from and how I got to my current place as the Senior Rabbi of a Temple, B’nai Jeshurun of Short Hills, NJ. Not only have I grown and changed professionally from my early days of rabbinical school, but my philosophy on how to lead a community and how to bring people together during trying times has evolved over many years of trial and error. My hope is to inspire other clergy and people in general to find a way to help their communities thrive, even during our current climate of fractured politics and overt hostility among one another.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2022
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October 27, 2022Matthew Gewirtz, one of this generation’s most gifted rabbis, has written an outstanding book which is an essential tool to help us make sense of a fractured world. Through cogent personal reflections of personal challenges he has faced and encounters with major world events, Rabbi Gewirtz has provided us with an invaluable spiritual GPS to help us navigate an increasingly polarized world where we are pulled right and left, up and down, by extreme viewpoints. Rabbi Gewirtz helps chart a rational course that steers us towards stability, balance, sanity, and spiritual fulfillment. His observations are at once powerful and pensive, exhilarating and exhausting, tough and tender, that make us think, feel, and motivate us to act.
His urgent pleas to lead us to what he calls “radical centrism,” remind us that we find balance and truth when we eschew reactionary and ultra-progressive extremes and tow the mid-line, listening with both ears open, as we seek to find a desperately needed path of harmony amid the din of dissonance. Following his wise and sound advice, I would suggest that we strive to make “radical centrism, “ essential centrism.
This is a must-read book for those who are committed to bringing healing and hope to our lives and to the world.
Cantor Howard Stahl, MSW
Executive Coach and Clergy Supervisor
His urgent pleas to lead us to what he calls “radical centrism,” remind us that we find balance and truth when we eschew reactionary and ultra-progressive extremes and tow the mid-line, listening with both ears open, as we seek to find a desperately needed path of harmony amid the din of dissonance. Following his wise and sound advice, I would suggest that we strive to make “radical centrism, “ essential centrism.
This is a must-read book for those who are committed to bringing healing and hope to our lives and to the world.
Cantor Howard Stahl, MSW
Executive Coach and Clergy Supervisor
October 12, 2022
“To Build a Brave Space” by Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz a must read…….
Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz, aka, Rabbi Matt shares the journey that has shaped his rabbinate thus far…
Beginning with his own personal challenges growing up in NYC and walking us thru moments that are etched in all of our lives, his story is moving, honest and takes you into your own personal journey, as most of us have lived these moments, but not in the public eye.
One example …. Rabbi Matt is ordained May 2001 and begins his career at a 2,000 +family reform Jewish congregation in NYC and four months later…9/11 ….where so many souls were lost and families and congregants looked for spiritual and practical guidance…….
Rabbi Matt walks us thru these moments, chapter by chapter, and concludes with where this journey has not only taken him but all of us thus far and what needs to happen, not only in our houses of worship, but person to person to survive and flourish….
I sat down last night to read a few pages and three hours later ……a must poignant story of life and how religion shapes who we are….a must read….
Lulu Levine….aka Linda Levi
Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz, aka, Rabbi Matt shares the journey that has shaped his rabbinate thus far…
Beginning with his own personal challenges growing up in NYC and walking us thru moments that are etched in all of our lives, his story is moving, honest and takes you into your own personal journey, as most of us have lived these moments, but not in the public eye.
One example …. Rabbi Matt is ordained May 2001 and begins his career at a 2,000 +family reform Jewish congregation in NYC and four months later…9/11 ….where so many souls were lost and families and congregants looked for spiritual and practical guidance…….
Rabbi Matt walks us thru these moments, chapter by chapter, and concludes with where this journey has not only taken him but all of us thus far and what needs to happen, not only in our houses of worship, but person to person to survive and flourish….
I sat down last night to read a few pages and three hours later ……a must poignant story of life and how religion shapes who we are….a must read….
Lulu Levine….aka Linda Levi
October 29, 2022
This is a history lesson through memoir. Matthew Gewirtz tells the story of his evolution as a rabbi. His roots are deep – the Holocaust, the civil rights movement, the Munich massacre and his own teenage years on the mean streets of 1970’s New York.
Surprised at first that expressing his own moral values – either in words or in actions – would alienate or antagonize one half of his congregation or the other or sometimes both, he found a touchstone of his rabbinic identity as a conciliator - to encourage dialog across the great divide of the contemporary political landscape.
Throughout the book he offers examples of how he diffused the polarization in his congregation after the many turbulent events of the 2000’s through dialog and by understanding differences as “Sacred Disagreements”.
Rabbi Gewirtz offers many personal anecdotes that illustrate his struggles to be emotionally present at all times and to transfer that presence into caring for the community.
This tender and highly readable personal history makes you more aware of your own potential to connect with others.
Surprised at first that expressing his own moral values – either in words or in actions – would alienate or antagonize one half of his congregation or the other or sometimes both, he found a touchstone of his rabbinic identity as a conciliator - to encourage dialog across the great divide of the contemporary political landscape.
Throughout the book he offers examples of how he diffused the polarization in his congregation after the many turbulent events of the 2000’s through dialog and by understanding differences as “Sacred Disagreements”.
Rabbi Gewirtz offers many personal anecdotes that illustrate his struggles to be emotionally present at all times and to transfer that presence into caring for the community.
This tender and highly readable personal history makes you more aware of your own potential to connect with others.
October 21, 2022
Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz provides a deeply moving and life affirming journey of the personal and public role challenging the modern Rabbi today. His inspirational story compels us to "live a life of renewed purpose, and ... find meaningful ways to feed our souls." Rabbi Matt is courageous in revealing his honest and vulnerable self; and in doing so, he helps us rediscover our own spiritual path as well. You do not have to be Jewish to appreciate these inspiring stories, for they are, in fact, human stories. Thank you, Rabbi Matt for continuing to guide us into living our lives more fully,more deeply, and more spiritually meaningful.
Amy Rubin Schottland
Amy Rubin Schottland
October 29, 2022
To Build a Brave Space by Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz is a superb chronicle of Rabbi Gewirtz’s life before, leading up to and becoming a Rabbi. It’s an honest “story” of his own coming of age, rabbinical school and being a rabbi through good times, personal struggles, and world issues. He describes relationships with family, congregants and local leaders. Through his book, Rabbi Matt opens the doors for one’s self-reflection and feelings on how people think, deal with one another and react to one another and world-wide issues. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone of every faith.
November 1, 2022
To Build a Brave Space is a beautiful commentary on how we seek light amid the perpetual darkness.
Through memory and memoir, Rabbi Gewirtz writes about the intense experiences of collective trauma, shared experience and the absolutely crucial skill of holding on to hope through it all.
This book should be required reading for anyone in a caring profession and all the more so, for anyone who cares about the state of their soul.
A leading voice in the Reform movement and the modern rabbinate, Rabbi Gewirtz demonstrates how we must both bring our full selves to every experience while also making room for the experiences of those we meet along the way.
Highly recommend!
Through memory and memoir, Rabbi Gewirtz writes about the intense experiences of collective trauma, shared experience and the absolutely crucial skill of holding on to hope through it all.
This book should be required reading for anyone in a caring profession and all the more so, for anyone who cares about the state of their soul.
A leading voice in the Reform movement and the modern rabbinate, Rabbi Gewirtz demonstrates how we must both bring our full selves to every experience while also making room for the experiences of those we meet along the way.
Highly recommend!
October 12, 2022
Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz builds his own brave space with absolute honesty, courage, self-awareness. His ability to share such personal revelations is the epitome of “owning it”, “it” being ourselves. He takes responsibilities for his flaws and his flair. I could not stop reading this book. One solution, I plan to read it all over again!
Gratefully,
Madeline Dreifus
Gratefully,
Madeline Dreifus
October 30, 2022
This is a refreshing and inspiring read by an honest broker holding solid, good faith discussions energizing God in our time. This book is a gem. Gewirtz nurtures community and engages with others in difficult conversations in order to learn and grow, carving out the brave radical center with a patriotic presence. There’s a lot of optimism, hope, compelling personal tales and a sober realism about religion and our times. This is a great mix.
October 31, 2022
This book is inspiring on so many levels. Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz will capture the interest of any reader, with any faith, in the very first chapter. His bravery in taking on difficult conversations and putting himself out there to be judged time and time again has made him the respected and influential Rabbi that he is today. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to grow and connect with people who may not always agree with your religion, politics and point of view.
November 17, 2022
Thoughtful and poignant, Rabbi Gewirtz’s book provides an intimate look at the life a clergy member with all of its attendant celebration and grief. From his path to the rabbinate to the major moments that have marked (and marred) the last quarter-century, Gewirtz takes us on a journey of pastoral care and personal discovery. He concludes by pleading for sorely needed respect and understanding in our communities, a vital clarion call for these divided times.
November 19, 2022
First of all, it's quite brave for a rabbi (or clergy of any faith) to tell their story through the lens of politics, but in this day and age that bravery is necessary. What Rabbi Gewirtz brings to the conversation is thoughtful consideration of the Other, of that which is different. Being able to consider and listen without, or with the minimal amount of, judgment is the only way we can move beyond hatred and discord. This is an important book to read.
October 11, 2022
Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz reaches beyond his congregation to the reader in "To Build a Brave Space" to share his experiences and remind us that in order to form a real connection with people, it is vital to listen and learn from people with differing view points. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in positive messaging at a time when our nation is so very divided.
October 16, 2022
Reading this book was a joy. I felt like Matthew was talking with me, not lecturing me. We have many of the same memories of the ‘70’s and 80’s. We hold similar political views. As a parent of a gay adult son, I know I can reach out for guidance, not judgment and so can my son. What a wonderful man/rabbi/father/leader Matthew is. Mazel Tov on a wonderful book.
October 17, 2022
To Build a Brave Space…
A Compelling read. An honest, insightful understanding of the challenges faced by clergy, congregations and our polarized country. Rabbi Gewirtz, weaves his personal experiences and calling to the rabbinate to focus on the everyday challenges we face as individuals and society.
Peter Weidhorn former chair of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)
A Compelling read. An honest, insightful understanding of the challenges faced by clergy, congregations and our polarized country. Rabbi Gewirtz, weaves his personal experiences and calling to the rabbinate to focus on the everyday challenges we face as individuals and society.
Peter Weidhorn former chair of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)
October 22, 2022
Rabbi Matt’s inspiring accounts of pivotal moments in his rabbinate and the lessons he has gleaned are both fascinating and moving. You are taken along a journey of understanding the critical role our clergy play in the lives of their congregants and how much our clergy learn from us as well. A well-written and meaningful read. I highly recommend.
October 23, 2022
To Build a Brave Space is an inspiring and authentic read with many pearls to take away and ponder. Rabbi Gewirtz’s journey is a beautiful look at a genuine search for meaning and for pathways to leading others to resilience, fulfillment, and community in challenging times. You will find comfort, humor, and inspiration in his words. I loved reading this book.
October 27, 2022
The Hebrew word hineni means “here I am”. Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz walks the walk as someone who could definitively say “here I am” at the most difficult times and most catastrophic events in people’s lives. This book is a call to action in these most challenging times. More than ever we need a brave space and we all need a Rabbi Gewirtz to create that Brave space. I am inspired and motivated to be able to say “here I am”. I defy anyone who reads this book not to feel the same way.
October 31, 2022
Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz's ability to share from his heart and relay meaningful lessons through stories and observations make this book a fascinating and heartfelt read. The carefully curated stories and reflections about family, politics, and religion create relatable and interesting insights.
November 8, 2022
An utterly generous book—equally a memoir and a reflection on coping with our changing times (and helping others cope). I suspect I'd have been riveted even if I weren't fortunate enough to be the author's congregant.
January 3, 2024
I thoroughly appreciated this memoir of the growth of a Jewish boy through his life experiences that brought him to become a sincere, effective Rabbi. Though my own religious have been those of a Christian woman, I can identify with much of what the author has to say.
October 18, 2022
Amazing, candid “front row seat” into the mind of a rabbi and spiritual leader during the major events 0f the past tumultuous years. Every chapter has a valuable message and teaching.
November 1, 2022
Rabbi Matt always has the right words at the right time, and this book is no exception! Thank you for your insight, wisdom, and leadership.
October 11, 2022
How does a person decide to be a clergy person? It made seem like an old-fashioned question, but Rabbi Gewirtz makes the answer so deep and funny and interesting you’ll be glad you asked! A beautiful reflection on 25 years serving the Jewish people and wrestling with the biggest questions in life.
October 12, 2022
Matthew writes a candid, inspiring and thought-provoking book about life as a spiritual leader. I enjoyed reading about how he navigates(ed) challenging moments over the last 25 years. This is a must read!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews