Home > Columnists >

Michael Lerner

Beliefnet Columnist

Michael Lerner, a rabbi, is the editor of Tikkun magazine and the author of numerous books, including "Jewish Renewal: A Path to Healing and Transformation," "Jews and Blacks: Let the Healing Begin," and "The Politics of Meaning: Restoring Hope and Possibility in an Age of Cynicism." Rabbi Lerner was a student of the eminent Jewish scholar and thinker Abraham Joshua Heschel. He founded the Institute for Labor and Mental Health, and for many years served as a psychotherapist for middle-income working people. He is currently the rabbi of Beyt Tikkun (The House of Love and Healing), a young synagogue in San Francisco.

Columns and articles by Michael Lerner

Why Arafat Failed Nov 5, 2004
He convinced the world that Palestinians need a state. But blind to Jewish suffering, he couldn't move beyond terrorist tactics.

Democrats Need a Religious Left Nov 4, 2004
Values that the Left already holds, like loving your neighbor and turning the other cheek, need to be embraced politically.

Democrats Need a Spiritual Left Nov 4, 2004

Having More Children Is Not the Answer Apr 28, 2003
We can't replace those who were killed, but we can make Judaism a more vital religion.

Remembering Paul Wellstone Oct 25, 2002
Mourning the loss of the Senate's 'mensch.'

Best 100 Contemporary Jewish Books Nov 28, 2001
The most significant Jewish books since 1985.

Where Does This Violence Come From? Sep 11, 2001
A response to today's terror attacks on American soil.

Creating an American Seder Jul 4, 2001
July 4 should be considered an American holy day, complete with religious rites and rituals.

A Threat of Violence for Speaking Out May 22, 2001
The death threats I've received because of my views on the Israel situation speak volumes about those threatening me.

Faith-Based Defunding of the Public Sector Mar 21, 2001
President Bush's faith-based initiative is the result of a shrewd conservative political calculus.

Ariel Sharon: The War Criminal Takes Over Feb 6, 2001
Israel's insistence on continuing the occupation of Palestinian lands led us to a Sharon government, which is a scary prospect.

A National Unity Government Nov 14, 2000
Transcending ego is the only way to solve our election crisis.

The Immorality of 'Lesser Evilism' Nov 8, 2000
Voting for the lesser of two evils is an evil unto itself.

The Immorality of 'Lesser Evilism' Oct 31, 2000
Voting for the lesser of two evils is an evil unto itself.

Understanding the Rage Oct 16, 2000
Though sickened by the brutal lynching of two Israeli soldiers, I understand how Israel's occupation can lead to such violence

A Time To Atone Oct 2, 2000
Both Palestinians and Israelis have plenty of sins to consider in repenting for the latest round of Mideast violence

For Our Sins Sep 20, 2000
Alternate liturgy to supplement the Yom Kippur confessional prayers

Taking God's Name in Vain Sep 11, 2000
The ADL is wrong to blast Joe Lieberman's God talk, because religion must play a vital role in our public affairs

Bad for the Jews, Bad for the Country Aug 7, 2000
Joseph Lieberman has strayed from the best aspects of Jewish tradition

Don't Blame God Jul 26, 2000
To make Jerusalem truly holy, we would share the city peacefully

Saying No To Israel's Fanatics Jun 22, 2000
Standing up to Shas and other religious political parties is the only way to a successful peace

Spirituality Is Not Flaky New Age Mush May 15, 2000
Religion need not be reactionary and spirituality need not be fluff--though there's a lot of both out there

Passover Hypocrisy Apr 10, 2000
Jews should heed the words they mouth at the seder.

Steps Toward Reconciliation? Mar 13, 2000
The pope is moving in the right direction, but his record--and that of the Church as a whole--is still spotty

The Fine Line Between Fear and Hate Feb 7, 2000
A Nazi sympathizer ascends to power in Austria. What's the right response?

Seattle Protesters Were Like Judah Maccabee Dec 10, 1999
There's nothing wrong with free trade--as long as it operates within the context of a world governed by God