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The Lilac Tree: A Rabbi's Reflections on Love, Courage, and History Hardcover – May 9, 2023

by Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch (Author)
5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 22 ratings
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Applying Jewish values to our personal and communal lives.

Ammiel Hirsch has been one of America’s leading rabbis for more than three decades. A Zionist activist who spent his formative years in Israel, Hirsch rose to prominence as the executive director of the Association of Reform Zionists of America and then as the spiritual leader of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in the Upper West Side in Manhattan.

The Lilac Tree offers stirring reflections on life and death, science and faith, political activism and deep learning, and history and the future. Hirsch grapples with the harsh realities of COVID-19, anti-Semitism, and America in the wake of the Trump presidency. We travel with him to the ruins of Ancient Greece and Rome, the site of Auschwitz, and a hotel in Basel where Theodor Herzl dreamed of a Jewish state—all seen through his incisive, witty, and eminently Jewish lens.

Moving easily between the day-to-day and the sublime, The Lilac Tree draws upon Hirsch’s wealth of Jewish and general wisdom to present a comprehensive worldview that is both eternal in its scope and acutely relevant, even urgent, for our own lives.
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  1. Print length
    336 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Wicked Son
  4. Publication date
    May 9, 2023
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1637587465
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1637587461
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“This beautifully written and compellingly argued book is an essential guide to the faith of a contemporary liberal Jew. The Lilac Tree is that rare achievement, bringing together the eclectic commitments of the Jewish people—to God, Jewish continuity, Israel, humanity—in a coherent worldview, a love song to the Jewish story. Passionate, sober and wise, this book presents an American Judaism capable of inspiring and transforming lives, showing us the way to a life of service and wonder. It explains why Ammi Hirsch is one of America’s most important and beloved rabbis.” -- Yossi Klein Halevi, New York Times Bestselling Author and Shalom Hartman Institute Senior Fellow

“Many are intelligent, but few are wise. Rabbi Ammi Hirsch is one of the few. Many think and write mostly from the head, others mostly from the heart. In this beautiful and important collection, somehow Ammi thinks and writes mostly with both.” -- Rabbi Steve Leder, New York Times Bestselling Author

“Rabbi Hirsch’s essays are inspirational and insightful gems filled with wisdom, history, philosophy, and a blending of the ideal and the real. People of Jewish descent will embrace this book in a heartfelt manner, however you do not need to be Jewish to appreciate the uplifting and optimistic approach to the existential questions of the meaning of life that Rabbi Hirsch addresses. This is a beautifully contemplative yet practical book, a must read for those seeking to fill the spiritual void left by modernity!” -- Erica Komisar, LCSW, Wall Street Journal contributor and author

“Starting with the birth of time, and following an arc of history, Ammiel Hirsch, through some fifty penetrating essays, challenges us to confront some deep questions that have shaped our lives. Writing with great fluidity, steeped in history and philosophy, this leading voice in the Reform Jewish movement has much to teach us. Yet, asking the hard questions as he does, he does not shy away from bold answers. But the power of this collection lies in its success in keeping these subjects alive in contemporary discourse.” -- Matthew Goldstein, former chancellor of the City University of New York

“Few rabbis write and speak with the eloquence, compassion, and moral urgency of Rabbi Ammi Hirsch. This book, a reflection of his lifetime of learning, teaching, and serving the Jewish people is a must-read for anyone seeking what lies at the heart of Judaism as it evolved over the centuries and the centrality of the time-tested Jewish ethical impulse that offers the world a means to repair its brokenness.” -- John L. Rosove, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Israel of Hollywood

“Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch's The Lilac Tree is incredible. What a sensitive, literary, human soul.” -- David Hazony, writer, speaker, editor and author

“Rabbi Ammi Hirsch has it all—a keen eye for the human condition; a discerning ear for those things that are said, unsaid, and need to be said; and the fearless demeanor of one of liberal Judaism’s great moral voices. His is an authentic Jewish presence that commands attention, and this book shows why.” -- Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin, Religion News Service columnist

About the Author

Ammiel Hirsch is the senior rabbi of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York. In 2018, the Jerusalem Post named him among “The 50 Most Influential Jews of the Year” and City & State New York magazine praised him as “the borough’s most influential voice” for Manhattan’s more than three hundred thousand Jews. Prior to his arrival at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, he served for twelve years as the executive director of the Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA), the Israel-focused arm of the Reform movement in North America. An accomplished teacher, author, and public speaker, Hirsch is also a trained lawyer and a veteran of the Israel Defense Forces.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wicked Son (May 9, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1637587465
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1637587461
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.06 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 22 ratings

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Ammiel Hirsch

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Customer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5
22 global ratings
The Lilac Tree is a superbly written volume
5 Stars
The Lilac Tree is a superbly written volume
Few American rabbis write and speak with the eloquence, compassion, and moral urgency of Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch. His new book The Lilac Tree is a series of essays reflecting his lifetime of learning, thinking, doing, preaching, teaching, and serving the Jewish people. It is a must-read for anyone seeking what lies at the heart of Judaism as it evolved over the centuries, the significance of the State of Israel as the embodiment of the Jewish people’s highest spiritual and moral aspirations, and the centrality of the time-tested Jewish ethical impulse that offer the world a means to repair its brokenness, polarization, and immorality.A public intellectual whose message is rooted in Judaism and is broadly universal, Rabbi Hirsch speaks to the heart, soul, and conscience of the reader regardless of one’s faith, social, political, ethnic, or cultural background. With fluidity and superb writing skills Ammi weaves together the most important ideas and ideals of Judaism with compassion and wit thereby offering the contemporary reader a way forward through turbulent times characterized by moral confusion and moral relativism. Rabbi Hirsch’s book ought to be on the reading list of every American, Jew and non-Jew alike.Rabbi John Rosove
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Top reviews from the United States

Allie
5.0 out of 5 stars A moving perspective on life from a rabbi
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
I have read this book by Rabbi Hersch and thoroughly enjoyed it. He likens religion to science and he
has had a wonderful career so far as a well-respected rabbi in New York City. His stories are interesting, fun and moving.
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Kathy Vestuto
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, insightful, inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2023
Verified Purchase
I highly recommend this compelling, moving collection of reflective essays by the eloquent Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch. My copy has many folded corners of pages containing particularly favorite insights, witticisms or turns of phrase. Favorite chapters include his thoughts on antisemitism, “America First;” and that beautiful, enduring lilac tree in Central Park; must-reads. Rabbi Hirsch is well-versed in history, poetry, Shakespeare, philosophy, and most especially, Jewish values. His ability to weave Jewish ideals into our everyday experiences is refreshing, enlightening and encouraging. You do not have to be Jewish to appreciate the humanity and perception of Rabbi Hirsch. Thank you, Rabbi.
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D. Singer
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and passionate writer and speaker
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
Rabbi Hirsch is an unapologetically bold and clear voice for the Reform Jewish cause. The voice of a generation, Hirsch is a classic liberal and Zionist whose family legacy from his late father, Rabbi Dick Hirsch, spans a century of service to the Reform movement. While evolving in response to cultural changes, Hirsch reminds us all of our founding principles when we run astray. He is fearless in responding immediately and forcefully whenever he sees injustices, and keeps leadership in check when he feels we are compromising on our values. This book is the culmination of many decades of service to the community and his writing is captivating and inspiring. You won’t want to put the book down at all, and yet in many chapters you’ll feel motivated get up off your lazy boy, and run out into the world to make a positive difference. His work as a community rabbi, social and political commentator, and author is truly an inspiration to us all. A must read.
One person found this helpful
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Rabbi John Rosove
5.0 out of 5 stars The Lilac Tree is a superbly written volume
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2023
Verified Purchase
Few American rabbis write and speak with the eloquence, compassion, and moral urgency of Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch. His new book The Lilac Tree is a series of essays reflecting his lifetime of learning, thinking, doing, preaching, teaching, and serving the Jewish people. It is a must-read for anyone seeking what lies at the heart of Judaism as it evolved over the centuries, the significance of the State of Israel as the embodiment of the Jewish people’s highest spiritual and moral aspirations, and the centrality of the time-tested Jewish ethical impulse that offer the world a means to repair its brokenness, polarization, and immorality.
A public intellectual whose message is rooted in Judaism and is broadly universal, Rabbi Hirsch speaks to the heart, soul, and conscience of the reader regardless of one’s faith, social, political, ethnic, or cultural background. With fluidity and superb writing skills Ammi weaves together the most important ideas and ideals of Judaism with compassion and wit thereby offering the contemporary reader a way forward through turbulent times characterized by moral confusion and moral relativism. Rabbi Hirsch’s book ought to be on the reading list of every American, Jew and non-Jew alike.
Rabbi John Rosove
Customer image
Rabbi John Rosove
5.0 out of 5 stars The Lilac Tree is a superbly written volume
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2023
Few American rabbis write and speak with the eloquence, compassion, and moral urgency of Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch. His new book The Lilac Tree is a series of essays reflecting his lifetime of learning, thinking, doing, preaching, teaching, and serving the Jewish people. It is a must-read for anyone seeking what lies at the heart of Judaism as it evolved over the centuries, the significance of the State of Israel as the embodiment of the Jewish people’s highest spiritual and moral aspirations, and the centrality of the time-tested Jewish ethical impulse that offer the world a means to repair its brokenness, polarization, and immorality.
A public intellectual whose message is rooted in Judaism and is broadly universal, Rabbi Hirsch speaks to the heart, soul, and conscience of the reader regardless of one’s faith, social, political, ethnic, or cultural background. With fluidity and superb writing skills Ammi weaves together the most important ideas and ideals of Judaism with compassion and wit thereby offering the contemporary reader a way forward through turbulent times characterized by moral confusion and moral relativism. Rabbi Hirsch’s book ought to be on the reading list of every American, Jew and non-Jew alike.
Rabbi John Rosove
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2 people found this helpful
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Ben A
5.0 out of 5 stars How Do We Save Humanity?
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2023
Verified Purchase
Rabbi Hirsch has written his views on many topics in this thought-provoking book of essays. To me, the most important topic he takes on is Humanity or the lack of it. Can it be saved? After reading it I believe he thinks it can but what will it take?

Read The Lilac Tree and try to take in every word. There is so much he writes about, that I found myself reading some chapters twice.

There is one sentence that Rabbi Hirsch writes towards the end that keeps sticking with me.
He writes "Human beings are a piece of work."

Yes, they are, and will we all come to our senses to save humanity.

A very important read.
One person found this helpful
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Dalia
5.0 out of 5 stars A Spiritual and Intellectual Gem
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2023
Verified Purchase
Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch's newest book is a spiritual and intellectual gem. Written in a short, emotionally gripping style, each passage challenges you to think critically and reach beyond simple platitudes.
Rabbi Hirsch's thoughts and perspectives have been a mainstay of the Jewish community for over 30 years. His insights into the Jewish community are relevant, poignant, and full of wisdom. Each chapter leaves you with several nuggets of wisdom that will have you thinking about it far after you have put the book down.
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Ryan G
5.0 out of 5 stars Soulful and Stirring
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2023
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Rarely does someone write with the same eloquence with which they speak, but in the pages of “The Lilac Tree,” Rabbi Ammi Hirsch displays the same mastery of language as he does from the bimah. With a fiery voice and a listening heart, he exhibits profound insight into the stirrings of the human heart. This book dives deep into the human condition — in all its ephemeral beauty — with wisdom steeped in thousands of years of Jewish tradition and civilization, made newly relevant to you and me today. If none of these essays bring chills to your spine, stoke your anger in the face of injustice and indifference, ground you in history, or inspire awe at the enormity of the universe — then I feel sorry for you.
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Sam N
5.0 out of 5 stars Nourishment For Your Soul
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2023
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This stirring collection of writings takes on the biggest universal questions in life from a Jewish perspective: What is the purpose of humanity? Who we are within the continuum of history? Rabbi Hirsch meditates on millennia of Jewish wisdom and distills its teachings to guide us in modern times, bringing into focus that which can be mysterious and difficult to articulate: God, evil, death, spirituality in an age of technology, and much more. This collection contemplates our hopes, fears, greatest capabilities and most humbling limitations. Rabbi Hirsch’s writings help to clarify what it means to live a life of meaning. This book is inspiration and nourishment for your soul.
One person found this helpful
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