To many people Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi was an enigma. The revered and beloved founder of the Jewish Renewal movement (a movement dedicated to gender equality and other progressive approaches to Judaism) was a Hassid, trained by some of the most well-regarded teachers in Lubavitch (one of the most conservative Orthodox sects in Judaism) and versed in Kabbalah.
He was popularly known as Reb Zalman. Born in 1924 in Zólkiew, Poland (now Ukraine), Reb Zalman was ordained as a Chabad rabbi in 1947.
He was known for blending Hasidic mysticism, feminism, environmentalism, and interfaith dialogue into a vibrant spiritual movement.
He pioneered “Spiritual Eldering”, now known as sage-ing, reframing aging as a sacred rite of passage.
He introduced ecstatic prayer, English chanting, and meditative practices into Jewish worship.
He taught at Naropa University (Tibetan Buddhist university founded by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche), Temple University, and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.
Organizations and Legacy Projects
- ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal – Co-founded with Rabbi Arthur Waskow. Visit ALEPH
- Naropa University – Held the World Wisdom Chair and taught spiritual direction at Naropa University.
- P’nai Or – Originally B’nai Or (“Sons of Light”), later renamed to “Faces of Light.” Explore ALEPH Canada
- Reb Zalman Legacy Project – Archive of his teachings and writings. YESOD Foundation Memorial
- Sage-ing International – is a community of elders and elders-to-be who are ready to explore new ways of aging. Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, author of From Age-ing to Sage-ing®, has inspired thousands of people around the world.
Books by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi
- Gate to the Heart (2013)
- A Heart Afire (2009)
- Davening: A Guide to Meaningful Jewish Prayer (2012)
- Integral Halachah (2007)
- Jewish With Feeling (2004)
- My Life in Jewish Renewal (2012)
- Spiritual Intimacy: A Study of Counseling in Hasidism (1991)
- The Dream Assembly (1989)
- Wrapped in a Holy Flame (2003)
- From Age-ing to Sage-ing (1995)
- Full bibliography available on Wikipedia
Enduring Influence of Reb Zalman
Reb Zalman’s teachings continue to inspire spiritual seekers across traditions. He championed “deep ecumenism,” inviting meaningful dialogue between faiths. His legacy lives on through joyful prayer, inclusive communities, and spiritual mentorship.
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"Be practical and expect miracles when you just take the first step forward every day." -Richard Edward Ward
