Many people are familiar with the story of
Jewish support for the American civil rights movement, but this
history has another side—
one that has not been fully told until now.
one that has not been fully told until now.
“Outlines a compelling image of
relations between the two communities…. In Shared Dreams, Rabbi
Schneier reiterates our commonality, as upheld by Martin Luther
King, Jr., and fuels the reader to continue to work for the
advancement of race relations among all God’s
children.”
—from the Preface by Martin Luther King III
Shared Dreams brings
to life the impressive, surprising, and long-neglected history
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s efforts in support of
the Jewish community. This is a story that sheds new light on
the commitment and the relationship between the Jewish and
African-American communities as they have struggled together to
fight for justice and civil rights in our nation, and our
lives.
“An invaluable contribution….
Shared Dreams is a masterful work. May [it] bring about better relationships between Blacks and
Jews.”
—The New
York Board of Rabbis Bulletin
“One of the most important books
I’ve read this year. Rabbi Schneier thoughtfully
illustrates the depth of the friendship between Dr. King and
our Jewish brothers and sisters, thus providing us with a fresh
and bold new perspective on both a beloved civil rights leader
and a most revolutionary time in our history. This book also
takes great care to explore the commonality of the struggle for
equality.”
—Kweisi
Mfume, president and CEO,
NAACP
“Masterful.... A significant contribution toward mutual understanding. Highly recommended.”
—Congregational Libraries Today
“An important addition to the
history of the civil rights movement, and an honest portrayal
of the complex relations between blacks and whites in the
movement.”
—Howard
Zinn, author, A People’s History of the United States
“Offers us a fascinating perspective
on Dr. King’s relationship with the Jewish
community.”
—Dr.
Carolyn Goodman, president,
the Andrew Goodman Foundation
“Tells of Jewish efforts on the
behalf of African Americans as well as the influence of Jewish
history and the Bible on Reverend King, Jr.’s
Ideology…. Brings together the information about
‘shared dreams’ that many readers will find
useful.”
—Jewish
Book World
“Candid, well-balanced ... a
significant contribution to African American/Jewish
harmony.”
—Publishers
Weekly
“Brings to life crucial aspects of
King’s relationship to the Jewish community…. A
valuable addition to any civil rights or Jewish political
library, and one of the finest popular depictions of Jews and
civil rights ever written.”
—Moment
“Contrasts the biblical teachings
that inspired King’s involvement in the civil rights
struggle with the Talmudic teachings that prompted Jewish
involvement.”
—American
Library Association’s Booklist
Rabbi Marc Schneier is president of The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, a nonprofit organization based in New York and Washington, D.C., dedicated to strengthening relations between the Jewish and African American communities. He is the chairman of the World Jewish Congress American Section and founding rabbi of The Hampton Synagogue and The New York Synagogue. Rabbi Schneier is an international spokesperson on intergroup relations and is frequently sought after by the media for his perspective and insight on a variety of subjects. Newsweek Magazine named him one of America’s top fifty rabbis. He has been the recipient of many awards, including The Kelly Miller Smith Ecumenical Award from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; the NAACP Martin Luther King, Jr. “Measure Of A Man Award”; the Ellis Island Medal of Honor; the Civil Rights Leadership Award in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; the New York State Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal; the American Civil Rights Education Services Civil Rights Award; and the Interfaith Award from the Islamic Center of Long Island.
Martin Luther King IIIis chairman and CEO of Realizing the Dream, Inc.
