• Social Action
• Domestic Violence

• SOCIAL ACTION  (return to top)

PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values

PANIM’s mission is threefold: first, to promote Jewish values and their application in the larger community; second, to build and support civic leaders and civic engagement; and third, to strengthen peace and social justice by forging links between the Jewish community and American public policy. Supporting this mission are the Center for Jewish Youth Leadership (focusing on fostering leadership skills for high school and college students), the Center for Jewish Service and Learning (focusing on providing tools that enable us to “live Torah” by reaching out to those in need), and the Center for Jewish Communal Renewal (focusing on developing new institutional paradigms in synagogues, schools, and communal organizations). Exciting programs have arisen from these centers, including the Jewish Civics Initiative and the Synagogue Transformation Project. Visitors to PANIM’s Web site will find detailed information about these and other programs, as well as information on upcoming events.

“Jews and Judaism in the Public Square.” The Reconstructionist. Vol. 65, No. 1, fall 2000.

• DOMESTIC VIOLENCE  (return to top)

Spitzer, Julia Ringgold. When Love is Not Enough: Spousal Abuse in Rabbinic and Contemporary Judaism. New York: Women of Reform Judaism, 1985.

Rabbi Julie R. Spitzer’s landmark study provides approaches to and information about programs and resources addressing domestic abuse. It includes social science perspectives and extensive Jewish materials.

Twerski, Abraham J. The Shame Borne in Silence: Spouse Abuse in the Jewish Community. Pittsburgh: Mirkov, 1996.

The author (a rabbi and psychiatrist) reveals, with candor, firmness, and compassion, what may have been closely kept dark secrets in many Jewish families. The book offers urgently needed advice and direction.