Re-Visioning Zionism E-Book

Rabbi Brian Lurie

• Herausgeber: Spines
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2026

Beschreibung

In every step of Rabbi Brian Lurie’s atypical journey through various professional paths and objectives, he has personified leadership, social justice, a love of Israel, and an ambitious yet down-to-earth approach to the evolving challenges of Jewish peoplehood in the 21st Century.

Throughout our friendship, I have been impressed with Brian’s entrepreneurship and deep integrity. He leads by the power of his example and by the soundness of his judgment. I have seen him fine-tune his social conscience and reach deeper into his moral compass, while remaining firmly rooted in the Jewish community’s organized framework, beloved and respected across the board. I have seen an introspective mensch who practices what he preaches and whose deep intelligence informs his charm; the charm complements his ideals, and the ideals produce his actions - and vice versa.

There is much to learn from Brian’s rich experience and fascinating narrative, and I am pleased that his story will now reach even greater audiences.

ISAAC HERZOG
President of Israel

RABBI BRIAN LURIE’S life story can contribute to the essential dialogue about Zionism’s future. The fierce urgency of now means this conversation cannot wait. This book proposes a values-based Zionist ethos that needs to be voiced and heard.

“The test of Zionism will be when Israel turns 75. The children born will no longer meet Holocaust survivors, nor will they know the founding generation. Our belief in the righteousness of our cause will require a renewed definition, not based on what was, but rather on what will be.”

DAVID BEN GURION

Leseprobe

Rabbi BrianLurie - JeffSaperstein (co-author)

Re-VisioningZionism:

Reflections on MyLife in Service

to the JewishPeople

All rights reserved

Copyright © 2026 by RabbiBrianLurie -

Jeff Saperstein (co-author)

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Published by SpinesPublishingPlatform

ISBN: 979-8-90001-218-6

RE-VISIONING ZIONISM

REFLECTIONS ON MY LIFE IN SERVICE TO THE JEWISH PEOPLE

RABBI BRIAN LURIE

JEFF SAPERSTEIN (CO-AUTHOR)

Dedicated to CarolineFrommLurie

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Brian Lurie Professional and Lay Leader Positions

Jeff Saperstein

Books, Case Studies and Articles Co-authored by Hunter Hastings and Jeff Saperstein

Additional Books and Business Case Studies by Jeff Saperstein

Jeff Saperstein’s Statement of Purpose

Brian Lurie’s Statement of Purpose

How to Work in Organizations to Achieve Your Goals

Cooperative Spirit

We Helped Make Policy for Massive Emigration to Israel and the US

The Issue of Intermarriage is the Jewish Challenge of Our Times

Equality with Gays

Example of Listening to when I was Wrong

Advice to Jewish professionals

Jewish Soul is in the “Kishkas” (Our Insides)

Israelis Are Doing This

The Gap Between Native Israelis and American Jews

Relative Importance of Learning Hebrew for American Jews

To Bond with Israelis: How You Act Is More Important Than What You Say

Being a Jewish Parent: Shabbat, Yom Kippur, Pesach, and Other Religious Events

How to Make People Feel Comfortable with Being Who You Are

What I Want to Say to Israeli Arabs

What Change Should We Ask Israeli Jews Towards the Diaspora?

Why Brian’s Leadership Story Is Universal

Rabbi Brian Lurie's Legacy

Rabbi Brian Lurie's Journey: A Mirror to the Past and Guide to the Future

Key Questions and Themes:

Initiatives and Impact:

Rethinking Jewish Leadership and Connection:

People Referenced in Interviews

Alexander Lurie

Ari Lurie

Avrum Burg

Avraham Infeld

Caroline Fromm Lurie

Daniel Lurie

Daniel Sokatch

Donniel Hartman

Jeffrey Solomon

John Ruskay

Liron Shoham

Michal Steinman

Nehemiah Dagan

Sonia Lurie

Susie Gelman

Wayne Feinstein

Yosef “Yossi” Beilin

Brian Lurie: Professional Life As Leader

Brian's Reflections

Beginning Rabbinic Career

The Inspiration for My Life's Work

Family Influences

Brian's Childhood and Pathway

Brian's Father Figure

Teachers Matter

My First Israel Experience

My Love Affair With Israel Began with Infatuation

The '67 War that Changed Everything for Me in Israel

The Tide of History Can Carry an Idea Forward

Beginning in San Francisco

SOLICITATIONS

Congregational Rabbis are Not International Spokespeople

I had no Mentors

Basically, A Loner

God's Servant is the Role I Played

On Friendship

Nehemia Dagan reflecting on his friendship with Brian

Caroline Lurie reflecting on Brian’s friendships

A story from Caroline Lurie about how some people feel entitled to be friends

Rabbis Who Had the Greatest Impact on Brian Lurie’s Rabbinic Outlook

Abba Hillel Silver

David Hartman

Donniel Hartman

Donniel Hartman commenting on the relationship between David Hartman and Rabbi Brian Lurie

Donniel Hartman examines the distinction between Tolerant and Intolerant Deviance

Donniel Hartman reflecting on Brian’s understanding of the Relationship with Israel based on Values

Donniel Hartman rethinking how David Hartman could Bring Sinai to the Federation

Donniel Hartman recalling a story about Hilary Clinton

Leaders

Trevor Chinn

Avrum Burg

Avrum Burg Reflects on Brian’s Style and Personhood

Avrum Burg Evokes a Story When Visiting Mimi

Shimon Peres

Shimon Peres’ Story according to Yossi Beilin

Isaac Herzog

Benny Begin

Brian’s story about Benny not following his wisdom

Brian’s story about Benny flying coach

Brian’s story about Begin and Daniel Sokatch

Holocaust Influencers

Ernie Michel

Bill Lowenberg

Elie Wiesel

Comparison between two systems and approaches: Federation and Lubavitch

Comparison Between Lurie and Schneerson On The Two Visions, Achievements, and Staying Power of Each

The Lubavitch Movement: Philosophy and Practices for a Vision of Jewish Community Life

Chapters on Brian’s Professional Affiliations

Temple Emanu-el

Brian’s reflection on Golda Meir’s visit to the Temple

Susie Gelman reflects on her time at Temple Emanu-El

UJA-NY

Historical Development

The Relationship Between UJA and Federations

Evolution of Allocation Between Israel and Local Purposes

Annual Campaign Process and Volunteer Involvement

Evolution of Federation Endowment Funds and Private Foundations

Role During Major Crises

Challenges Facing Jewish Federations in the Future

The Evolution of the San Francisco Jewish Community Federation: Rabbi Brian Lurie's Impact from the 1960s to 2000

Downplayed My Financial Compensation and Resisted Pandering

Wayne Feinstein comments on the Vision, Innovation and Trend-setting in the SF Federation

Jeff Solomon Reflecting on Brian and the Mega Group

John Ruskay’s Reflection on How Federations Can Help People Understand What Matters

Federations Underpay and Under-Appreciate Their Staff

The Centrality of UJA/Federation Could Affect Government Policy

My Guiding Principle for the UJA

Leading the Federation

Is the Federation Emerging to Something Different?

Yossi Beilin Reflecting on Brian’s Commitment

Daniel Sokatch Commenting on “Yiches”: Lineage in Federation Leadership

UJA International

The Challenge of the Generational Gap

Factors Contributing to the Generational Gap

The Widening Gap Between Younger Generations for Connection with Israel

Judicial Reform Changed Israel

The Realization of the Holocaust Came Late to Me

Becoming Head of UJA

The Level of Participation and Connection to Israel of the Jewish Community Should Evaluate the Federation System

Avrum Burg’s reflection on Brian: Making Room for the Other Leaders

Amuta Was a Challenge to the UJA/Jewish Agency

Major Involvements

Post-YK War

The Six Day War, Yom Kippur War, and the Strengthening of the North American Jewish Community through Philanthropy

Roles played by the UJA (United Jewish Appeal) and Jewish Federations in addressing the needs of Israel during and after these wars

Role of UJA and Jewish Federations

Transformation in Giving and Participation

Strengthening of Jewish Federations

Rabbi Brian Lurie and the San Francisco Jewish Federation

The Advanced 60 Mission

Operation Exodus

Rabbi Brian Lurie's Role in Operation Exodus and Soviet Jewry

Brian’s Reflections on Operation Exodus

Mega-Donors Can Be Just Like Everyone: Insecure and Needing Recognition

Feeling During Operation Exodus – To Generate Motivation in People

Raising Money for Operation Exodus

Interagency Task Force

Liron Shoham Commenting on the Task Force

Michal Steinman Reflecting on Brian

New Israel Fund

The Establishment Needs to be Challenged to be Relevant to Changing Needs

Daniel Sokatch Reflecting on Brian’s Qualities

Daniel Sokatch Recounts Brian's Role in NIF

Daniel Sokatch Revives a Story of Real-world Example

Taglit Birthright

Jeff Solomon Looking Back on Birthright

Yossi Beilin Reflecting on Birthright

Avraham Infeld Revisiting Brian’s Insight

Moriah Conferences

The Moriah Conferences Forged Lasting Relationships

Successes and Challenges

Lasting Benefits and Future Potential

The Need for More Leadership Conferences

Leadership Qualities

(Stories and Quotes From Interviewees)

Susie Gelman Recognizing Brian’s Leadership

Daniel Sokatch Recognizing Brian’s Organizational Processes

Inspire by Standing Up for the Marginalized

Caroline Lurie Mentions Brian’s Inspiration/Hardworking Value

Listen and Learn

Avrum Burg Commenting on Brian’s Listening Skills

Liron Shoham Reflecting on Brian’s Ability to Listen

Michal Steinman Recognizing Brian’s Values

Jeff Solomon Analyzing Brian’s Emotional Intelligence

Intuitive understanding of Individual Motivations

Persuasive

Avrum Burg on Brian’s Power Perception

Liron Shoham Commenting on Brian’s Character

Charismatic and Charming

Avrum Burg Reflecting on Brian’s Character

Wayne Feinstein Touches on Brian’s Charisma

Daniel Sokatch Differentiates Thinkers vs. Operationalists

Innovative/ Visionary

Jeff Solomon Describes the Visionary Brian

Caroline Lurie Reflecting on Brian

Focus

Avrum Burg Commenting on Brian’s Focus

Understanding How to Position and Manage the Major Participants

Brian’s Approach for Relating to Wealthy Individual Donors

Avrum Burg Reflecting on Brian’s Approach to Donors

Encouragement and Nurturing of Others to Become Leaders

Daniel Sokatch Reflecting on Brian’s Mentoring of Him

Solicitation

Nehemia Dagan Recalling on Brian’s Solicitation Approach

Donniel Hartman on Raising Money with “Auschwitz” While Deemphasizing “Sinai”

Israeli Relationships and Power

Avrum Burg Reflecting on Power

Respect and Vision in the Jewish Communal Field

Women in the Field

Liron Shoham Reflecting on Brian’s Bringing Women Into Leadership Positions

Michal Steinman Reflecting on Brian’s Management Style

Standing up for Others

Brian’s Finesse

Avraham Infeld Recalling Brian’s Finesse

Israel

Israel Lifelong Love and Devotion Can Be Nurtured

Avrum Burg revising Judaism

Susie Gelman reflecting on Brian’s approach to Judaism

Cultivation of Relationships of Those Who Lead Across the Political Spectrum

Arab Israeli Priority

The West Bank Continues To Be A Divisive Issue

The Political Situation in Israel: The Urgency of Now

Avraham Infeld Compares Being Jew

Reflections Post-October 7

The Experience with the Hostage Families

Avrum Burg Commenting on the Israeli Conversation

Michal Steinman Commenting on the Importance of Americans to Learn About Israel and Its Situation

Israel Diaspora Relationships

The Israel Forum and Moriah Conference

Avraham Infeld: How Do We Build Kishke Peoplehood? The Story of American and Israeli Kids

Judaism and Democracy/Pluralism will Redefine Our Relationship

Yossie Beilin: Brian is a True Israeli

Rethinking Secular Jewish Education

Jeff Solomon Revising Jewish Education

John Ruskay Reexamines Jewish Education

John Ruskay Analyzes Jewish Education and Jewish Peoplehood

What Diaspora and Israeli Jews Should Do to Reimagine Zionism

Bridging the Gap Between American Jews and Israelis

The Chasm Between Secular American Jews and Israeli Jews

A Lay Leader is Perceived Differently than a Jewish Professional

Liron Shoham reflecting on American and Israeli relations

Michal Steinman reflecting on American Jewish identity

Nehemia Dagan: Brian is the American I wish I could meet

Avrum Burg reflecting on Brian and Judaism

Caroline Lurie Reflecting on Different Cultures

Daniel Sokatch: Can the Jewish World Make Room for People Who are Looking for Purpose?

Donniel Hartman: Jewish Education in America Succeeded in Assimilating

Antisemitism on American Campuses

Hope to Enable that Connection to Israel to be More in the “Kishkas”

Daniel Sokatch Reflects on How to Convince the Jews to Work for the Jewish Community

Avraham Infeld Analyzes Israeli Youth

Donniel Hartman, reflecting on the UJA Federation, could get a million Jews out of the Soviet Union, but without a Jewish soul, you cannot have continuity

Intermarriage

Interfaith Intertwining: Exploring US Jewish Intermarriage Rates and Implications

Rising Intermarriage Rates

Rabbi Brian Lurie's Perspective

Organized Secular Jewish Community's Response

Recognition by Reform and Conservative Rabbis

The Birthright Program and Intermarriage

Opening Jewish Life to Intermarriage and Those Who Seek Authentic Jewish Connection

Avrum Burg on How Brian Reframed Intermarriage

Avraham Infeld on Intermarriage

Donniel Hartman Reflects on Intermarriage

Brian Lurie: The Man

Brian’s View of His Professional Life and Family

Brian's Respect for his Children to Follow their Passions

Brian's Relationship with In-laws

A Cause Greater than Anything Else

Caroline was our Role Model

Judaism Through Women

Jewish Connection

Kishkas: Jewish Continuity

Aliyah

Jewish Continuity and Israel

Interviews

Caroline Lurie

Bridging the Gap Between Americans and Israelis

Brian and Caroline

Moving from Connecticut

Brian's Uniqueness and Strength

A Story About How Some People Feel Entitled to Be Friends

Major Donors Can Be Rude

Israelis Compared with American Jews

Brian's Resilience

Brian's Curiosity and Wonder

Brian's friends

Ari Lurie

Brian: A Prominent Dad and Public Figure

Shabbat and Judaism

Story – Summer Camp Kids

Learning From Dad

Story – Spray Paint in Branson High School

Story – Ari's divorce

Intermarriage

Brian's Legacy

Daniel Lurie

Brian, as a Dad and a Prominent Figure

Focused on Service

Service, not Philanthropy, is the Motivation within the Family

Brian's Friendship with People

Story – Bar Mitzvah

Brian: A Father and Friend

Story – Trip to Ireland

Daniel's Love for Israel

Brian's Ability to Transcend

Brian's Legacy or Influence

Committed Service, Unwavering, and never being satisfied

Alexander Lurie

Rabbi Brian Lurie: The Most Important Rabbi in the World

Brian's Absence

Story – Healing Trip

Family

Brian, as a Rabbi

Alexander's Connection to Israel and the Jewish People

Brian, as an Influencer

Philanthropy Does Not Equal Serving Others

Story - Thatcher School Incident

What I Will Miss

Traditions that Alexander Will Continue

Story – Trip to Israel with Brian and Daniel

Something Additional to Say…

Sonia Lurie

What it Was Like to Be Raised as the Only Daughter by Rabbi Brian Lurie

Living in Connecticut

Caring Story

Speaking Gibberish was Our Secret

Playful: Goofus Dreyfus

How I was Raised Differently from my Brothers

Brian's Israeli Friends

Brian's Passions

American and Israeli Brian are the Same

Brian: An Unusual Rabbi

Shabbat Blessings

Brian: A Great Communicator

Story – Rosh Hashanah Sermon

Story – How Brian Modeled Manhood in Sonia

Brian Sets High Standards for Sonia and her Brothers

Philanthropy

Sonia's Relationships with Israelis

Brian: Who He Is vs. Who He Was

Intermarriage

Story –Intermarriage: Darren and Sonia

What Sonia Will Miss About Brian

Conclusions

Lessons Learned

Organizations are a Means to an End

Reflections on Past, Present, and Future

Exodus was a phenomenal period from 1989 to 2000, the highlight of my professional life

Aging Brian

Brian's Legacy

Susie Gelman reflecting on Brian’s legacy

Wayne Feinstein Reflects on Brian

Yossi Beilin Reflecting on Brian

Avraham Infeld Reflecting on Brian

John Ruskay Reflecting on Brian’s Legacy

Brian’s Story is Complex

Postcript

Appendices

A Call to Action

David Bartov

David Amar

What of the People of Israel?

What of us here in North America?

Soviet Jewry Resettlement

Position Paper

Draft

Behind the Headlines: Getting More Jewish Teens to Israel

Seen As New Priority for U.S. Jewry

Little Money for Advertising

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

When JeffSaperstein approached me to write my memoir, I trusted his judgment from past associations. Still, I did not fully appreciate the journey and the destination we would ultimately reach.

I knew he shared my love of Israel and Jewish people, and he was familiar with the Jewish institutional world through his own experiences. Our shared feeling and knowledge proved propitious in developing this work together.

His probing questions and diligence enabled me to reveal my life to myself in ways I had not understood or had mostly forgotten. I once called him my analyst for his ability to articulate my intentions, actions, and relationships coherently and insightfully. He replied that his role was more like a detective, helping me connect the dots in my reflections.

Through our sessions, we realized this endeavor was not just about my life. Rather, it was how my life, together with the work of great contemporaries, enabled me to participate in Jewish history over the past half-century. We agreed that my vision of where Israel and Zionism should go was both necessary and relevant to the now essential task of re-imagining Zionism. Jeff interviewed others who contributed greatly to the book, and I am gratified that his work can bring whatever legacy I have into the future, so that others may lead the Jewish people and our relationship to Israel in better ways.

Thanks also to Jeff’s assistant, MarielA. GonzalezJunco, for her organization and administration of the material. Thanks as well to the NIV/SPINES publisher for accepting our work and bringing it to fruition.

I’m indebted to my loving wife, CarolineFrommLurie, for her support and encouragement, as well as my children, Ari, Daniel, Alexander, and Sonia.

Thanks to the many contributors who augmented my views with their insights and dedication to the Jewish people. It is with their collective vision and accomplishments that I fulfilled my intention to serve the Jewish people.

FOREWORD

Brian Lurie’s life story can contribute to the essential dialogue about Zionism's future meaning.

David BenGurion predicted at the state’s founding:

“The test of Zionism will be when Israel turns 75. The children born will no longer meet Holocaust survivors, nor will they know the founding generation. Our belief in the righteousness of our cause will require a renewed definition, not based on what was, but rather on what will be.”

ENDORSEMENTS

In every step of RabbiBrianLurie’s atypical journey through varying professional paths and objectives, Brian has personified leadership, social justice, a love of Israel, and an ambitious yet down-to-earth approach to the evolving challenges of Jewish peoplehood in the 21st Century.

Brian’s keen eye for equality made him a pioneer in the human rights discourse and led him to found the Inter-AgencyTaskForce on IsraeliArabIssues. His operations in the field of social equality and his advocacy for the IsraeliArab community have not only raised awareness of marginalized sectors but have also generated broad changes in fields desperately seeking public recognition and resources.

Throughout our friendship, I have been impressed with Brian’s entrepreneurship and deep integrity. He leads by the power of his example and by the soundness of his judgment. I have seen him fine-tune his social conscience and deepen his moral compass, while remaining firmly rooted in the Jewish community's organized framework, beloved and respected across the board. I have seen an introspective “mensch” who practices what he preaches and whose deep intelligence informs his charm; the charm complements his ideals, and the ideals produce his actions —and vice versa.

There is a great deal to learn from Brian’s rich experience and fascinating narrative, and I am pleased his story will now reach even greater audiences.

Isaac Herzog,

President Israel

Rabbi BrianLurie, a seminal leader of the AmericanJewish community for the last decades of the Twentieth and first decade of the Twenty-FirstCenturies, is a visionary, charismatic leader and a profoundly important friend and mentor. This is his story, and one worth reading by anyone interested in the development of the AmericanJewish community and the Israel-Diaspora relationship over those critical decades.

Wayne Feinstein,

Former ChiefExec of the Detroit, LosAngeles, and SanFranciscoJewishFederations (1982–2001)

This very interesting book tells the story of RabbiBrianLurie, a unique JewishAmerican leader who lives in the West, while his heart is in the East. I would love to see young Jews, all over the world, members of Hillel, and not only them, reading his life story. We can all be inspired by Brian, a man who came from the ranks of the AmericanJewish establishment and used his knowledge to challenge the same establishment and to have a real impact on Jewish life.

Yossi Beilin,

Chairperson of HillelIsrael

Rabbi BrianLurie‘s memoir covers an extraordinary period of opportunity in NorthAmericanJewish life. The opening of the former SovietUnion, Ethiopia, communities’ direct funding of needs in Israel, and the radical changes in Jewish philanthropy all impacted, and were impacted by, Brian‘s leadership and involvement. This volume documents that extraordinary story.

Jeffrey Solomon,

Former President of Andrea and CharlesBronfmanFoundation, SeniorAdvisor to ChasbroInvestments

Rabbi BrianLurie’s story is not just the story of an extraordinary Jewish leader. It is, in many ways, the story of the transformations and changes that have taken place in the AmericanJewish community over the last fifty years or so. Brian’s journey – from the preeminent leader of the AmericanJewish establishment to one of the most prominent leaders of the progressive Jewish community – reflects that of so many AmericanJews who retain their loyalty and love for community and for Israel, but who question and, in some cases, reject the prevailing orthodoxies that still define the agendas of the leading establishment institutions. It can’t have been easy for Brian to go from the center of the establishment to a leader of the opposition, but it has never seemed to bother him at all. Most important for Brian has always been to stand by his values. A new generation of AmericanJewish leaders could learn a lot about integrity, leadership, and ahavat Yisrael by learning from and following his example.

Daniel Sokatch

CEO of the NewIsraelFund

Rabbi BrianLurie has devoted his life to strengthening the JewishPeople—in SanFrancisco, NorthAmerica, Israel and far beyond. He was frequently ahead of conventional wisdom: identifying the challenges and opportunities facing us and identifying strategies for responding effectively. So much can be learned from Brian’s amazing life journey, for it is overflowing with insights and learnings which can be harvested to maximize the likelihood of a flourishing Jewish future. I hope this volume will be studied long into the future.

Dr. JohnRuskay

CEO Emeritus of the UJA-Federation of NewYork

BRIAN LURIE PROFESSIONAL AND LAY LEADER POSITIONS

When RabbiBrianLurie became the ExecutiveDirector, the organization’s name was TheJewishWelfareFund, and then in 1981, the name changed to JewishCommunityFederation of SanFrancisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and SonomaCounties. Now it is named the JewishCommunityFederation and EndowmentFund. For brevity, it is referenced as the SFFederation or JCF in this document.

JEFF SAPERSTEIN

Jeff Saperstein is a memoirist, author, university lecturer, consultant, and career coach specializing in career and post-career planning. He is an active Israel advocate who has led missions to Israel and visits frequently. Jeff lives in MillValley, California, and has two adult sons and five grandchildren. He is an avid hiker and enjoys leading groups to enjoy mountain trails.

Jeff Saperstein website:https://jeffsaperstein.com/about/

LinkedIn:http://linkedin.com/in/jeff-saperstein

BOOKS, CASE STUDIES AND ARTICLES CO-AUTHORED BY HUNTER HASTINGS AND JEFF SAPERSTEIN

The InterconnectedIndividual: SeizingOpportunity in the Era of Platforms, Apps, and GlobalExchanges, BusinessExpertPress, 2018.

Service Thinking: TheSevenPrinciples to DiscoverInnovativeOpportunities, BusinessExpertPress, 2014.

Bust the Silos: OpeningYourOrganization for Growth, AmazonCreateSpace, 2010.

Improve YourMarketing to GrowYourBusiness, PrenticeHall, WhartonBusinessPress, 2007.

The NewMarketingMission, Association of NationalAdvertisers, 2004.

How SocialMediaCanBeUsed to Dialogue with the Customer, RichardIveyBusinessSchoolPublications, 2010.

How CiscoCreatesNewValue via GlobalCustomerService,ThunderbirdInternationalBusinessReview, Sept/Oct 2010.

ADDITIONAL BOOKS AND BUSINESS CASE STUDIES BY JEFF SAPERSTEIN

LinkedIn: Bridging the GlobalEmploymentGap, RichardIveyBusinessSchoolPublications, 2017.

The Art and Strategy of ServiceLearningCommunications, Wadsworth, 2004.

Creating RegionalWealth in the InnovationEconomy, PrenticeHall, 2002.

How to Be a MoreEffectiveAccountManager, CrownRoad, 1989.

Practical Approaches to ImpromptuSpeaking, Kendall-Hunt, 1988.

Infosys: TheChallenge of GlobalBranding, RichardIveyBusinessSchoolPublications, 2005.

Agilent Technologies, RichardIveyBusinessSchoolPublications, 2004.

Toyota: Driving the MainstreamMarket to PurchaseHybridElectricVehicles, RichardIveyBusinessSchoolPublications, 2004 (Best seller).

JEFF SAPERSTEIN’S STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

In 1982, while working as an account supervisor at FCB ad agency on the LeviStrauss account in SanFrancisco, I first met RabbiBrianLurie. I had recently arrived from NewYorkCity, and I was introduced to him by RonBerman, the agency's ExecutiveCreativeDirector and a prominent figure in the Jewish community. Ron, recognizing our shared commitment to social causes, involved me in creating a pro-bono ad for the JewishCommunityFederation (JCF) and the JewishCommunityRelationsCouncil (JCRC), to appear in local newspapers.

Brian, a national figure in Jewish leadership, and EarlRabb, the respected ExecutiveDirector of JCRC, were instrumental in this project. The ad, produced with volunteers, highlighted the complexities in Beirut, where the PLO used civilians as shields, and the Israeli response: sounds familiar? This experience led to many collaborative projects with Ron for the JewishCommunityFederation (JCF), where Brian gave us considerable creative freedom.

My dedication to Israel and firsthand experience in the YomKippurWar impressed him, so Brian persuaded me to join JCF as the MarketingDirector. Over two years, I witnessed his inspirational leadership and vision in making JCF a pivotal organization in local Jewish life and a leader in Israel relations.

After leaving JCF, I continued my involvement in Jewish organizations like UJA, Federation, AIPAC, and synagogue leadership, utilizing my marketing skills to benefit Jewish and Israeli causes. My career later evolved into a certified career coach and writer of memoirs for influential individuals, including DougHerst, one of Brian's closest friends. Doug suggested that Brian hire me to help him write his memoir about leadership.

In March 2023, I embarked on this project with Brian to document his life's story. In addition to our conversations, we compiled a comprehensive portrait of his professional and personal life through extensive interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues in Israel and the U.S.

This chronicles Brian's journey as a visionary leader over six decades, highlighting his pivotal role in strengthening Israel-Diaspora relations and advocating for a more pluralistic, democratic, and inclusive Israel. Brian feels sad that despite his endeavors in partnership with so many others, the goals for Israel and the Jewish community have yet to be fully realized.

In this new era, with rising challenges like anti-Semitism and conflicts in Israel, Brian's story stands as a testament to his influential role in both Israeli and Jewish-American spheres. The book doesn't offer direct solutions but can inspire through Brian's questioning of conventional wisdom and his audacious, visionary, and resilient approach to Jewish continuity and values-based Zionism.

Working on Brian's biography has culminated in my journey since that first meeting in 1982. This book is a tribute to his impactful life, hoping to motivate others to make a difference in their communities and the broader world.

Jeff Saperstein

Mill Valley, California

BRIAN LURIE’S STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Hopefully, my reflections on a life of service will be useful to those who come forward in the upcoming generations. It may also revive some of the memories of past collective fellowships of endeavors with those who lived through these eras. Along with those referenced and quoted in this book, I tried to create a different future from what was bequeathed to us. To strengthen the Jewish people, to re-vision a Zionism based on values, and to invigorate a spirit of being part of Zionism in the process of becoming. We have not succeeded in our dreams, yet there is much to be proud of. It is for the next generations of Israeli and DiasporaJews to fashion their own Zionism. My purpose is not for this to be a historical or scholarly work but rather a conversation of stories, lessons, and insights from my life that may be useful for those who choose to read it. I do not have the answers, but my questions may help you seek how to be part of the miraculous chain of Jewish peoplehood.

HOW TO WORK IN ORGANIZATIONS TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS

This book aims to help people with their minds and ideas on how they can effectuate what they believe in despite the encumbrance of bureaucracy. There is an opportunity for creative impulse to be exercised even amid a congested passenger lane, but it is possible to make a difference and do it your way.

That is the whole idea of being an insider-outsider. AlthoughI personally led several major organizations, I saw how important it was to think outside the box and challenge whatever system I might find myself in.

COOPERATIVE SPIRIT

People can make a difference; you do not have to be tied to succeed in any institution. To eventually succeed, you need to work with an army of people who work hard. For example, regarding the SovietJews, we raised almost a billion dollars to help resettle and rescue them from the former SovietUnion. Undoubtedly, it was one of the most important causes I have ever done.

Leaders coalesced and united to raise major funds across the country; we brought Jews who knew nothing about the AmericanJewish community and its involvement in the process to freedom. Initially, when the movement began, the government of Israel wanted to avoid being involved. It was worried that this “freelancing” of AmericanJewish life would hurt the relationship between Israel and the SovietUnion. Still, after over a million people came, the Israeli government cooperated with the program and established a special bureau to facilitate this process.

WE HELPED MAKE POLICY FOR MASSIVE EMIGRATION TO ISRAEL AND THE US

There was a huge fight about the issue of freedom of choice that involved the State of Israel and the AmericanGovernment. The two rights were the freedom of movement and the strengthening of the state of Israel. The paper I wrote (refer to the Appendix) circulated to the entire AmericanJewish community involved in this process and the StateDepartment. TheUJA leader, MaxFisher, who had many friends and allies in the StateDepartment, was influential in the US adoption of it. I will not say the paper did it; it had some effect on our government, and it opened a passageway for hundreds of thousands of Jews who chose to come to the US rather than go to Israel.

The AmericanJewish community received this paper, and it became the criteria championed by the AmericanJewish community: the freedom of choice for first-degree relatives. Coming to America was not just for everybody, but if you had a mother, father, brother, sister, or whoever was trying to get in, that freedom of choice would function.

The AmericanJewish community played a larger role than most people realize, and the Federation system's response is an example of cooperation with our US government. OperationExodus was arguably the pinnacle of UJA/Federation centrality and effectiveness for the Jewish people.

THE ISSUE OF INTERMARRIAGE IS THE JEWISH CHALLENGE OF OUR TIMES

Initially, like many Rabbis, whether they be Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform, I was against the concept of intermarriage. As a Rabbi, I felt I could not participate, which was against my principles. I had close friends who wanted me to marry them on more than one occasion, and I had to say no. It always left a bitter taste in my mouth, and it was a moment where I could have welcomed them into the Jewish community, but they were excluded. AsI grow older, I realize that I have made a mistake.

We should welcome and celebrate them because they are voluntarily joining a spouse who is part of the Jewish community, and they should not be treated as strangers. I have discussed this with AvrahamInfeld, DavidHartman, and several other Israelis, but it took them longer to soften their reluctance. MyRabbi teacher Hartman had difficulty agreeing with that; his wife bitterly opposed it.

David Hartman

It remains so important, especially today, that we welcome the process of intermarriage because the rate, at least on the WestCoast, is something like 60%, and there would be a lot of exclusion if we do not welcome them.

I welcomed my son-in-law, Darren, into our family. But more importantly, Darren was willing to come in because why would you marry into a Jewish family if you do not want to be part of it? My wife, Caroline, was a very important part of that welcoming process to this day, but it is all about being an open person rather than trying to convince them.