Offerings of the Heart: Money and Values in Faith Communities
Shawn Israel Zevit
Visit www.alban.org/rabbizevit/index.asp for an in-depth overview of Offerings of the Heart, links to published articles by Rabbi Shawn Israel Zevit, background information about the author, and his current travel schedule. In exclusive Q&A Rabbi Zevit discusses the book and what the Jewish tradition has to say about values and money in faith communities.
Rabbi Zevit is a 2008 Award Recipient for the Mintz Family Foundation for Creative Jewish Education
Nadiv Lev. “Offerings of the Heart.” This phrase sets the tone for the Jewish spiritual perspective that money is a tool for actualizing God’s presence in the world. Building on this core value and setting aside the financial/spiritual split with which many congregational leaders operate, Rabbi Shawn Zevit brings the depth and breadth of Jewish teachings on money and the spiritual life to all faith communities.
This book provides texts and tools to help clergy, staff, and lay leaders of congregations of any faith approach financial and other resources as core means to build and maintain whole and holy lives in a communal setting. Zevit demonstrates how faith communities can create values-based approaches to developing and managing financial and human resources that are rooted in the very sacred traditions, principles, and impulses that bring us together.
“Shawn Zevit is a master at guiding people towards a values-based approach to money and wealth in congregational life. This book now brings that wisdom to a wider audience. Read it and get a glimpse of the possibilities of creating true communities of faith.” —Rabbi Sid Schwarz
“Rabbi Shawn Zevit shows us the rich thought and experience Hebrew scriptures and traditions contribute for all who seek to be faithful in the use of money in their communities. A deep understanding of generosity and giving is brought to bear on the practicalities of budgets, planning, and reaching out in deeds of justice and mercy. Zevit has provided a remarkable resource for us all.” —The Rev. Loren B. Mead, founder of the Alban Institute
“How do synagogues and churches raise money, use money, and teach about money? In this wonderful book, Rabbi Zevit helps us to answer this question by weaving together traditional and contemporary Jewish texts, history, practical advice, and real-world examples. I highly recommend it.” —Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism
“How do we handle money morally as leaders of institutions? Zevit shows us how Judaism guides us in such matters. He discusses traditional sources and offers helpful suggestions and exercises demonstrating how to apply them to modern circumstances.” —Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff, author of To Do the Right and the Good: A Jewish Approach to Modern Social Ethics
About the Author
Rabbi Shawn Israel Zevit serves as a consultant for numerous organizations in the areas of leadership, community building, money and values, creativity, and spirituality in the workplace. He currently a Senior Consultant and the Director of Outreach and External Affairs for the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation.
ISBN# 1-56699-281-8
Alban No. AL271
paper, 135 pages
2005
In stock
$18.00
($14.40 for members)
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