Synopses & Reviews
A 2013 National Jewish Book Award Finalist! Letters to President Clinton celebrates a unique chapter in the annals of both political and religious history: a written dialogue between prominent American Orthodox rabbi Menachem Genack and former President Bill Clinton that spanned more than 15 years. The two men first met when then-governor Clinton was just beginning his road to the White House; as their friendship deepened, the rabbi started sending Clinton brief essays highlighting spiritual insights from the Bible to help him navigate difficult decisions and issues. During his second term, the president asked Genack to write these pieces more regularly and formally, and the rabbi invited many of his distinguished acquaintances—Bible scholars, political leaders, scientists, clergy members, and laypeople—to contribute. This inspirational collection gathers more than 100 of these mini-sermons, organized by theme-expressions of the contemporary but universal messages found in the Bible's ancient wisdom—and featuring a foreword by Clinton himself.
Synopsis
Rabbi Menachem Genack and Bill Clinton first met as Clinton began his road to the White House. As their friendship deepened, the rabbi started sending Clinton brief essays highlighting spiritual insights from the Bible. Later, at Clinton's request, Genack took a more formal approach, also inviting many distinguished acquaintances to contribute. This universally inspiring collection gathers more than 100 of these mini-sermons, with a foreword by Clinton himself.
Synopsis
A 2013 National Jewish Book Award Finalist Letters to President Clinton celebrates a unique chapter in the annals of both political and religious history: a written dialogue between prominent American Orthodox rabbi Menachem Genack and former President Bill Clinton that spanned more than 15 years. The two men first met when then-governor Clinton was just beginning his road to the White House; as their friendship deepened, the rabbi started sending Clinton brief essays highlighting spiritual insights from the Bible to help him navigate difficult decisions and issues. During his second term, the president asked Genack to write these pieces more regularly and formally, and the rabbi invited many of his distinguished acquaintances--Bible scholars, political leaders, scientists, clergy members, and laypeople--to contribute. This inspirational collection gathers more than 100 of these mini-sermons, organized by theme-expressions of the contemporary but universal messages found in the Bible's ancient wisdom--and featuring a foreword by Clinton himself.
About the Author
Rabbi Menachem Genack is rabbinic administrator and chief executive officer of the Orthodox Union's Kashruth Division overseeing the certification program of some 7,000 food-production facilities in 80 countries. The Orthodox Union (“OU”) is America's oldest and largest Orthodox Jewish communal organization, embracing over 800 synagogues across North America. Rabbi Genack is viewed as one of the most influential and prominent members of the American Orthodox rabbinate. He was founding Chairman of NORPAC, a political action committee that supports a strong US-Israel relationship, has traveled with President Clinton to Israel several times, and has published over 180 articles on Jewish thought and law. Genack is the General Editor of OU Press, the publishing division of the OU, and served as the main advisor on Sterling's successful Out of the Depths, which had the OU Press as imprimatur. He lives in Englewood, NJ.