Lawrence Kushner

Lawrence Kushner, born in 1943, is a Reform rabbi and a scholar-in-residence at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco. He received his rabbinical ordination from the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati after graduating from the University of Cincinnati. Kushner dedicated 28 years of service to Congregation Beth-El in Sudbury, Massachusetts, before assuming his current role. He has also held adjunct faculty positions at the Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles and taught spirituality and mysticism as a visiting professor at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City, where he mentored rabbinic students. Kushner is married and has three adult children, including a daughter who is also a rabbi.

Kushner has authored and co-authored over 18 books, many of which explore Jewish mystical traditions and spirituality for both adult and young audiences. His works have been translated into six languages, indicating a broad international reach. His writings often delve into themes of Jewish renewal, Kabbalah, consciousness, and finding spiritual meaning in everyday life. He has also co-authored books with his wife, Karen Kushner, focusing on questions about God for younger readers.

Born in 1943, Lawrence Kushner is a distinguished figure in Reform Judaism, holding rabbinical ordination from the Hebrew Union College. He served for nearly three decades at Congregation Beth-El in Sudbury, Massachusetts, establishing a significant pastoral presence. Currently, he serves as the Emanu-El Scholar-in-Residence at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco, contributing his expertise to the congregation. Beyond his congregational work, Kushner has a notable academic career. He has been an adjunct faculty member at the Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles and a visiting professor at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City. In these academic roles, he has focused on teaching spirituality and mysticism, and has actively mentored aspiring rabbis.

Rabbi Lawrence Kushner is a prolific author whose literary output centers on Jewish spirituality and mysticism. He has authored and co-authored more than 18 books, addressing themes such as Jewish mystical renewal, Kabbalah, and the nature of consciousness. His works are accessible to a wide range of readers, including children and young adults, and have been translated into six languages, demonstrating their global appeal. Books like "Honey from the Rock," "The River of Light," and "The Book of Letters" explore profound spiritual concepts within a Jewish framework. He has also collaborated on works that translate or offer commentary on traditional Jewish texts, such as "Sparks beneath the Surface," and has written introductory guides to Jewish spirituality for broader audiences, including "Jewish Spirituality: A Brief Introduction for Christians."