AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion

Biography

Lawrence Kushner is the Rabbi-in-Residence at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City where he teaches Jewish spirituality and mysticism and mentors rabbinic students. Prior to his present position, he served for 28 years as the rabbi of Congregation Beth El in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Kushner is widely regarded as one of the most creative religious writers in America. Through his lectures, articles and 10 books, he has helped shape the present agenda for personal and institutional spiritual renewal. His books, translated into five languages, are published by Jewish Lights in Woodstock, Vermont. They include: Jewish Spirituality: a brief introduction for Christians (2001), Eyes Remade for Wonder: A Lawrence Kushner Reader (1998), Invisible Lines of Connection: Sacred Stories of the Ordinary (1996), God Was In This Place and I, I Did Not Know: Finding Self, Spirituality and Ultimate Meaning (1991), The River of Light: Spirituality, Judaism and the Evolution of Consciousness (1981, 1990), Honey from the Rock: Visions of Jewish Mystical Renewal (1977, 1990). He and his wife, Karen, have three children. He likes graphic design, hanging around sailboats and is trying to learn how to play the clarinet.