Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Jewish Renewal Pioneer, Dies at 92

Rabbi Arthur Waskow, a pioneering social justice activist and founder of The Shalom Center in Philadelphia, passed away at the age of 92. Throughout his life, Waskow redefined the intersection of faith and activism, linking Jewish rituals with movements for civil rights, environmental protection, and LGBTQ equality. Inspired by the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., he created The Freedom Seder, a transformative Passover text that connected Jewish liberation with civil rights and anti-war efforts, becoming foundational to Jewish Renewal. Waskow was known for his humor, humility, and frequent participation in protests, having been arrested over two dozen times for his activism. His influence extended beyond Jewish communities, with recognition from Newsweek as one of America's 50 most influential rabbis and receiving T’ruah’s Lifetime Achievement Award as a Human Rights Hero. Waskow's legacy includes his contributions to egalitarian Jewish communities, teaching roles, and his enduring impact on progressive Jewish spirituality and political engagement.