M Basil Pennington

Lawrence Kushner, born in 1943, is a Reform rabbi and scholar-in-residence at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco. He received his rabbinical ordination from the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, where he also graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Cincinnati. Kushner served for 28 years at Congregation Beth-El in Sudbury, Massachusetts, before taking his current position in San Francisco. He has also held adjunct faculty roles at the Hebrew Union College, teaching spirituality and mysticism.

Kushner has authored and co-authored over 18 books and numerous articles, many of which explore Jewish mystical traditions and their relevance to contemporary life. His works, translated into several languages, are intended for both adults and young readers. One of his books, "Jewish Spirituality: A Brief Introduction for Christians," was dedicated to M. Basil Pennington, a Catholic monk involved in the centering prayer movement.

Born in Detroit in 1943, Lawrence Kushner's academic journey led him to the University of Cincinnati, where he graduated with honors, and subsequently to the Hebrew Union College for his rabbinical ordination. His extensive service to the Jewish community includes 28 years at Congregation Beth-El in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Currently, he serves as the Emanu-El Scholar-in-Residence at Congregation Emanu-El of San Francisco. Beyond congregational work, Kushner has contributed to rabbinical education as an adjunct faculty member at the Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles and as a visiting professor at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City, where he has focused on teaching spirituality and mysticism and mentoring students.

Rabbi Kushner is a prolific author, having written and co-written more than 18 books and numerous articles that have been translated into six languages. His literary output spans works for both adults and children, consistently delving into themes of Jewish spirituality and mysticism. Books such as 'Honey from the Rock: Visions of Jewish Mystical Renewal,' 'The Book of Letters: A Mystical Alef-Bait,' and 'The River of Light: Spirituality, Judaism, Consciousness' explore core concepts of Kabbalah and Hasidism. His writings aim to make these profound spiritual traditions accessible, offering insights into finding meaning and connection within Jewish thought and practice, often through storytelling and accessible explanations.