We all know about the reported Christian sexual abuse cases which shamefully contradict the heart of our faith. But this phenomenon goes way beyond what the news media so often highlights. This problem is truly a global one involving both religious and secular individuals.  Since Christians, Jews and Moslems are derivative of Abrahamic religion, over time it will be important to highlight reform efforts among these, and then other religions and sects.

Knowledgeable religious and secular authorities seeking such reforms will be highlighted. Let us pray for healing for both victims and perpetrators.

“When  Rabbis Abuse explores the dynamics of sexual abuse in Jewish culture. Based on 84 interviews with victims/survivors, experts, and thinkers around the Jewish world, the book offers a groundbreaking analysis of how abuse happens — and what the community can do about it. 

About the Author

Dr. Elana Sztokman is a Jewish feminist anthropologist, activist, educator, and author, as well as two-time winner of the National Jewish Book Council award. Read more about her at A Jewish Feminist, sign up for her courses at the Jewish Feminist Academy, Follow her on Facebook, or get her newsletter, The Roar.”

“Elana Sztokman has done a great service to Jewish life with her meticulous and moving book. She shines a light on communal structures, organizational hierarchies, and Jewish cultural tendencies that too often silence victims and allow offenders to get away with their transgressions. The book should move us to action so that the leaders of our communities, synagogues and institutions will be held accountable to our professed ethics and ideals.” Rabbi Daniel Pressman Chair, Va’ad Hakavod (Ethics Committee), Rabbinical Assembly

“Elana Sztokman’s book is an invaluable tool with which to dismantle the structures of Jewish patriarchy and unmask the shame and secrecy that enable sexual abuse and protect offenders. A must-read for anyone who cares about the safety and well-being of every member of the Jewish community.” Letty Cottin Pogrebin Author of Shanda: A Memoir of Shame and Secrecy.

“This is one of the most important books for the Jewish world in years. Sztokman thoughtfully, calmly examines an emotionally charged issue in a way that only a true expert can. Jewish leaders and community members should consider it an essential read.” Elad Nehorai Writer, activist, and founder of Hevria

“Kudos to Elana Sztokman for this comprehensive study of sexual and gender abuse in the greater Jewish community. This is a timely and important book that will hopefully lead to necessary change, by encouraging victims to report abuse and encouraging communities to hold abusers accountable.” Rabbi Dr. Reverend Haviva Ner-David  Author of Dreaming Against the Current: A Rabbi’s Soul Journey

“The health of the soul of the Jewish community depends on our willingness and ability to confront the painful truths of clergy abuse – sadly frequent and seldom spoken about publicly. Dr. Elana Sztokman’s powerful book gives all of us the opportunity to bear witness to the pain and strength of survivors and the wisdom for how to move forward through a process of reckoning and reenvisioning. Critical reading for all Jewish leaders.” Rabbi Rachel Grant Meyer Educator, artist, writer, and founder of rabbae jewels

​”Dr Sztokman perfectly captures the scope and nature of the problem of sexual harassment in Jewish institutions in all its tragic minutiae. When Rabbis Abuse should be mandatory reading for all institutional leaders.” Asher Lovy Director of Za’akah

“This work is a deep, probing, and intricate look at our culture, its many subcultures, and the unanswered questions that remain regarding sexual abuse in our communities…. It should be required reading for rabbinic students and their mentors, and anyone at all in a Jewish community could benefit” Dr. Sarah Ruth Hoffman Epidemiologist, blogger, advocate, and survivor of sexual assault by her rabbi.

“Dr. Sztokman’s research brings to light the dirty little secrets in Jewish communal life that no one has ever wanted to talk about. Fortunately, we are living in a time when inappropriate behavior is being called out for what it is. Illegal, immoral, unethical and most decidedly not ‘Jewish.’” Naomi Eisenberger Executive Director of The Good People Fund and co-founder of Ta’amod: Stand Up!

“Dr. Sztokman refuses to allow any of us to trip over our cognitive dissonance and fall into familiar patterns of denial; ‘by us it doesn’t happen!’ or ‘”our” community is better than “theirs”’. None of us get to claim that we are immune… When Rabbis Abuse is insightful and thought-provoking. It is also painful in the challenges it poses to us all – to learn, to acknowledge where and how we have failed in our holiest spaces, and to recommit ourselves to doing what is necessary so that our institutions and organizations are places of safety and respect.”  Shana Aaronson Director, Magen for Jewish Communities

“In the shadows of the #MeToo movement, When Rabbis Abuse is a crucial work that exposes the uncomfortable and painful truth of abuse in our midst, and, with that exposure, serves as a key resource in helping us understand what happened, what must be done in the future to protect survivors, and how we might prevent abuse going forward.” Devorah Blachor Author of The Feminist’s Guide to Raising a Little Princess

“Dr. Elana Sztokman analyzes multiple examples of sexual abuse by Jewish clergy. Sztokman does not hide her dismay at the injustice for those who have suffered abuse. She closes with powerful suggestions for change.” Hannah Wacholder Katsman Child sex abuse victims advocate and a moderator of the #GamAni FB group

“Once again, Dr. Elana Sztokman hits it home with a wealth of research, evidence, and truths. The first stage of fixing wrongs is by highlighting them. Sztokman identifies the deep-rooted areas specific to the nature of the Jewish community in terms of culture, norms, roles, and the worries of reputation over protection. We are not left without solutions. Sztokman offers an empirical analysis along with viable paths forward.”  Dr. Sharon Weiss-Greenberg Jewish feminist leader and change-maker

+ NYT.  Ultra-Orthodox Shun Their Own for Reporting Child Sexual Abuse