Editing Harold Kushner (section)

== Writing ==
With the backing of Rabbi [[Ira Eisenstein]], the founder of the [[Reconstructionist Rabbinical College]], Kushner released his inaugural book in 1971 under the title ''When Children Ask About God: A Guide for Parents Who Don't Always Have All the Answers.'' Rather than reinforcing the notion of God as an all-knowing and all-powerful creator, he aimed to foster a healthy [[skepticism]] and encourage questioning as a means of developing a meaningful religious faith. The book primarily targeted parents and aimed to address the concerns of people who were seeking a new Jewish belief system more in line with their broader worldview.<ref name=":5" />

Kushner is best known for his international best-selling book on the [[problem of evil]], ''[[When Bad Things Happen to Good People]],'' published in 1981''.''<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=Feinstein |first=Edward |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VbU1FK9p328C&dq=%22Book+of+the+Month+Club%22+%22When+Bad+Things+Happen+to+Good+People%22&pg=PA71 |title=Jews and Judaism in the 21st Century: Human Responsibility, the Presence of God and the Future of the Covenant |date=2007 |publisher=[[Jewish Lights Publishing]] |isbn=978-1-58023-315-6 |pages=71 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Juliana |date=April 29, 2023 |title=Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of 'When Bad Things Happen to Good People,' dies at 88 |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/04/29/1172903236/rabbi-harold-kushner-author-of-when-bad-things-happen-to-good-people-dies-at-88 |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=[[NPR]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Dorff |first=Elliot N. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bSZWDwAAQBAJ&dq=%22harold+kushner%22+%22best+known%22&pg=PA425 |title=Modern Conservative Judaism: Evolving Thought and Practice |date=2018-06-01 |publisher=University of Nebraska Press |isbn=978-0-8276-1389-8 |pages=425 |language=en}}</ref> Written following the death of his son, Aaron, from the premature aging disease [[progeria]], it deals with questions about human suffering, God, [[omnipotence]], and [[theodicy]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=When Bad Things Happen to Good People |url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/a/harold-s-kushner-3/when-bad-things-happen-to-good-people/ |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=[[Kirkus Reviews]] |language=en}}</ref> Kushner aimed to assist individuals in maintaining their belief in God's [[Omnibenevolence|benevolence]] despite experiencing personal tragedies. His book offers a fresh interpretation of the [[Book of Job]], suggesting that while God may not have the power to prevent suffering, God provides solace to those who are afflicted. His contemporary interpretation of theodicy in the book laid the groundwork for the modernist theological literature within the Conservative Jewish community, alongside works by [[Elliot N. Dorff|Elliott N. Dorff]], [[Neil Gillman]], [[Harold M. Schulweis]], and [[David Wolpe]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lederhendler |first=Eli |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q3k8DwAAQBAJ&dq=%22harold+kushner%22+%22modernist%22&pg=PA43 |title=Who Owns Judaism?: Public Religion and Private Faith in America and Israel |date=2001 |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |isbn=978-0-19-514802-2 |pages=43 |language=en}}</ref> The book resonated with readers across religions and was translated into at least 12 languages. Its success propelled it to the top of [[The New York Times Best Seller list|''The New York Times'' Best Seller list]], and established Kushner as a well-known author and commentator.<ref name=":02" /> In 1991, it tied for the ninth position with four other books in the [[Book of the Month|Book of the Month Club]]'s list of the top ten books that had the most significant impact on American lives, based on a nationwide survey.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1991-12-02 |title=Bible Ranks 1 of Books That Changed Lives |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-12-02-ca-746-story.html |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The book was described as "arguably one of the most widely read books written by a rabbi in centuries"<ref>{{Cite book |author-link=Neil Gillman |last=Gillman |first=Neil |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dVJ_uLxBgVkC&dq=%22harold+kushner%22+%22popularity%22&pg=PA232 |title=Doing Jewish Theology: God, Torah & Israel in Modern Judaism |date=2008 |publisher=[[Jewish Lights Publishing]] |isbn=978-1-58023-322-4 |pages=232 |language=en}}</ref> and as "one of the most widely read Jewish books of our generation" by Neil Gillman.<ref>{{Cite book |author-link=Neil Gillman |last=Gillman |first=Neil |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gmBMGf-dJSoC&dq=%22harold+kushner%22+%22widely+read%22&pg=PA77 |title=The Jewish Approach to God: A Brief Introduction for Christians |date=2003 |publisher=[[Jewish Lights Publishing]] |isbn=978-1-58023-190-9 |pages=77 |language=en}}</ref> Its popularity was partly attributed to [[Protestantism|Protestant]] clergy members promoting it in their sermons and distributing copies to their congregations.<ref name=":14">{{Cite news |last=Niebuhr |first=Gustav |date=1996-11-06 |title=Staying With God For Better or Worse |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/06/style/staying-with-god-for-better-or-worse.html |access-date=2023-04-30 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Four million copies had been sold by the book's 20th anniversary.<ref name=":34">{{Cite book |last=Heinze |first=Andrew R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BI4REAAAQBAJ&dq=Living+a+Life+That+Matters+harold+kushner+%22best+seller%22&pg=PA321 |title=Jews and the American Soul: Human Nature in the Twentieth Century |date=2006-11-05 |publisher=[[Princeton University Press]] |isbn=978-0-691-12775-0 |pages=321 |language=en}}</ref> 

In 1986, Kushner published ''[[When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough|When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough: The Search for a Life That Matters]]'', delving into existential themes of life's meaning and individual pursuit of happiness within the context of [[Ecclesiastes]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Geffen |first=Rela M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C70SojC92SwC&dq=%22When+All+You%27ve+Ever+Wanted+Isn%27t+Enough%22+%22harold+kushner%22+review&pg=PA150 |title=Celebration and Renewal: Rites of Passage in Judaism |date=1993 |publisher=[[Jewish Publication Society]] |isbn=978-0-8276-0510-7 |pages=150 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Limburg |first=James |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O2qBfPnB4VAC&dq=%22When+All+You've+Ever+Wanted+Isn't+Enough%22+%22harold+kushner%22&pg=PA23 |title=Encountering Ecclesiastes: A Book for Our Time |date=2006-06-19 |publisher=[[William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company]] |isbn=978-0-8028-3047-0 |pages=23 |language=en}}</ref> Its title was deemed an "apt summary of Ecclesiastes".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Knight |first=George R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ECr-yeHZqCYC&dq=%22When+All+You've+Ever+Wanted+Isn't+Enough%22+%22harold+kushner%22&pg=PA52 |title=Exploring Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon: A Devotional Commentary |date=2006 |publisher=Review and Herald Pub Assoc |isbn=978-0-8280-2018-3 |pages=52 |language=en}}</ref> Kushner's goal was to dissect the unfulfillment experienced even by achievers, asserting that "What we miss in our lives, no matter how much we have, is that sense of meaning."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sherwin |first=Byron L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X_aiZRU_FwwC&dq=%22When+All+You've+Ever+Wanted+Isn't+Enough%22+%22harold+kushner%22&pg=PA37 |title=The Life Worth Living: Faith in Action |date=2009-03-06 |publisher=[[William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company]] |isbn=978-0-8028-6293-8 |pages=37 |language=en}}</ref> He rejected the notion of a singular answer to life's complexities and contended that such answers are found in daily experiences, relationships, and the quest for integrity. Central to his argument was Ecclesiastes, which he called "the most dangerous book in the Bible" for its call to contemplation over blind worship, as Kushner contended that life's richness emerges from thoughtful engagement, emphasizing that an unfulfilled life is more daunting than death itself.<ref name=":03">{{Cite news |last=Sussman |first=Vic |date=May 11, 1986 |title=Answers to Life's Big Questions: When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough. By Harold Kushner |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/entertainment/books/1986/05/11/answers-to-lifes-big-questions-when-all-youve-ever-wanted-isnt-enough-by-harold-kushner-summit-190-pp-1695-necessary-losses-by-judith-viorst-simon-and-schuster-447-pp-1795/dcb3067f-0d0d-4565-9def-005c5c3db4b2/ |access-date=2023-08-19 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> The book earned praise as a "useful spiritual survival manual" from ''[[The Washington Post]]'' and received the 1987 [[Christopher Award]] for its "contribution to the exaltation of the human spirit."<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":3" />

''Who Needs God,'' published in 1989'','' argued for the ongoing relevance of God in a world characterized by unprecedented human achievements. As with Kushner's previous works, Reconstructionist views were apparent in his attempt to make room for religious life and the notion of God without the belief in an all-powerful creator. He aimed to bridge the gap between religious fundamentalism and atheism, highlighting that organized religion's greatest offering is not [[theology]] but rather the comfort and support of a spiritual community. Kushner also asserted that the existence of God endows individuals with the ability to perceive holiness in the world and attain a greater sense of purpose.<ref name=":5" />

Kushner authored several other well-received theological books, such as ''How Good Do We Have to Be?''<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Good Do We Have to Be? |url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/harold-s-kushner/how-good-do-we-have-to-be/ |website=[[Kirkus Reviews]]}}</ref> and ''To Life!''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TO LIFE! |url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/harold-s-kushner/to-life/ |website=[[Kirkus Reviews]]}}</ref> Works such as ''When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough'', ''Who Needs God?'' and ''How Good Do We Have to Be?'' reached a wide readership of millions.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Lythgoe |first=Dennis |date=2001-10-07 |title=Author finds wisdom in life and sets it down in his books |url=https://www.deseret.com/2001/10/7/19610315/author-finds-wisdom-in-life-and-sets-it-down-in-his-books |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=[[Deseret News]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2007, Kushner received a [[Lifetime Achievement Award]] from the Jewish Book Council.<ref name=":02" /> 

Carolyn Hessel, director of the [[Jewish Book Council]], attributed Kushner's success to his ability to appeal to everyone regardless of their background.<ref name=":0" /> Burton Cooper, a professor of theology at the [[Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary]], argues that Kushner's popularity and significance arise from his skill in reaching individuals with a "modern consciousness", a perspective informed by science, and resonating with their longing for religious faith.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Heinze |first=Andrew R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pk3Pus_L6eMC&dq=%22harold+kushner%22+%22popularity%22&pg=PA417 |title=Jews and the American Soul: Human Nature in the Twentieth Century |date=2004 |publisher=[[Princeton University Press]] |isbn=978-0-691-11755-3 |pages=417 |language=en}}</ref> 

In the fall of 2001, Kushner achieved his sixth best-seller with ''Living a Life That Matters'', focused on [[Jacob]] from the Old Testament, the sole figure with a complete biography in the Bible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":4" /> He examines Jacob's complex moral choices, such as deceiving his father to secure his blessing. He interprets [[Jacob wrestling with the angel|Jacob's encounter with an angel]] as an internal struggle, symbolizing the conflict within his soul and his progression towards integrity.<ref name=":4" /> While Kushner's stance suggests Jacob's victory through loss, the Torah presents an alternate perspective, depicting Jacob as the undisputed winner.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H2ZTAAAAYAAJ&q=%22Living+a+Life+That+Matters%22+%22harold+kushner%22+%22jacob%22 |title=Conservative Judaism |publisher=University of Virginia |year=2002 |volume=55 |pages=55 |language=en}}</ref>

Kushner's response to [[Simon Wiesenthal]]'s question of forgiveness was included in a revised 1997 edition of the book ''[[The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness]],'' alongside those of 45 other leading intellectuals and commentators.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chanoff |first=David |date=May 4, 1997 |title=When Should Healing Begin? |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/entertainment/books/1997/05/04/when-should-healing-begin/bd3f0342-c1fc-4ba0-b13d-165036474502/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |author-link=Simon Wiesenthal |last=Wiesenthal |first=Simon |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CZHtAAAAMAAJ |title=The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness |date=1997 |publisher=[[Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group]] |isbn=978-0-8052-4145-7 |language=en}}</ref> Wiesenthal's inquiry emerged from a real-life scenario during [[the Holocaust]], when he confronted a dying [[Wehrmacht|Nazi]] soldier who sought [[absolution]] for his heinous deeds, prompting the question: Can such profound wrongdoing be forgiven? Kushner conveyed the essence of forgiveness as follows:<blockquote>

Forgiving is not something we do for another person, as the Nazi asked Wiesenthal to do for him. Forgiving happens inside us. It represents a letting go of the sense of grievance, and perhaps most importantly a letting go of the role of victim. For a Jew to forgive the Nazis would not mean, God forbid, saying to them "What you did was understandable, I can understand what led you to it and I don't hate you for it." It would mean saying "What you did was thoroughly despicable and puts you outside the category of decent human beings. But I refuse to give you the power to define me as a victim. I refuse to let your blind hatred define the shape and content of my Jewishness. I don't hate you; I reject you." And then the Nazi would remained chained to his past and to his conscience, but the Jew would be free.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hFgKAQAAMAAJ&q=Forgiving+is+not+something+we+do+for+another+person.+.+.+.+Forgiving+happens+inside+us.+It+represents+a+letting+go+of+the+sense+of+grievance,+and+perhaps+most+importantly+a+letting+go+of+the+role+of+victim.+For+a+Jew+to+forgive+the+Nazis+would+not+mean,+God+forbid,+saying+to+them+%22What+you+did+was+understandable,+I+can+understand+what+led+you+to+it+and+I+don't+hate+you+for+it.%22+It+would+mean+saying+%22What+you+did+was+thoroughly+despicable+and+puts+you+outside+the+category+of+decent+human+beings.+But+I+refuse+to+give+you+the+power+to+define+me+as+a+victim.+I+refuse+to+let+your+blind+hatred+define+the+shape+and+content+of+my+Jewishness.+I+don't+hate+you;+I+reject+you.%22+And+then+the+Nazi+would+remained+chained+to+his+past+and+to+his+conscience,+but+the+Jew+would+be+free. |title=South African Journal of Philosophy |date=2001 |publisher=Bureau for Scientific Publications of the Foundation for Education, Science and Technology |volume=20 |pages=313 |language=en}}</ref></blockquote>

Kushner was an editor of the journal ''Conservative Judaism'' from 1980 to 1984''.''<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fmZTAAAAYAAJ&q=editors |title=Conservative Judaism |date=2003 |publisher=Rabbinical Assembly |volume=56 |language=en}}</ref> 

Kushner frequently used examples from TV shows and movies in his teachings and writings to connect with his audience, as he believed many people are more familiar with these cultural references than with the Bible, although he expressed concern over the semi-literacy of the Bible and found it surprising when people were not familiar with biblical stories.<ref name=":4" />