The “Hero’s Journey” of the Two Rabbis

For three decades, between his radical political activism and his rabbinical responsibilities, Burt Jacobson, founder of Kehilla Synagogue, investigated and drafted notes on the teachings and life journey of the 18th-century founder of Chasidism, the Baal Shem Tov. Those notes became the 600-page Living in the Presence published posthumously last year. Jacobson’s own journey is a key element of his book. What can a politically-radical rabbi learn from one of the world’s most influential mystics? How does the spirit necessitate and motivate taking action?

Our conversation will be led by Rabbi David J. Cooper, co-founder with Rabbi Burt Jacobson in 1984 of Kehilla Community Synagogue (just up Grand Ave from Clio’s!). He is now rabbi emeritus after his service there from 1999 to 2017. He is an activist on several fronts, especially on peace and justice issues in regard to Palestine/Israel. He and Rabbi Burt were colleagues for 40 years.