Rabbi Elie Kaunfer, named one of the top fifty Jewish leaders by The Forward, and one of Newsweek's top fifty rabbis, is cofounder and executive director of Mechon Hadar ([...] an institute that empowers Jews to build vibrant Jewish communities. Mechon Hadar has launched the first full-time egalitarian yeshiva program in North America, Yeshivat Hadar ([...] where Rabbi Kaunfer teaches Talmud. A Dorot Fellow and Wexner Graduate Fellow, Rabbi Kaunfer cofounded Kehilat Hadar ([...] an independent minyan in Manhattan committed to spirited traditional prayer, study and social action. He was selected as an inaugural Avi Chai Fellow, known as "The Jewish Genius Award."

Foreword by Prof. Jonathan D. Sarna ix
Introduction: My Journey to Empowered Judaism 1

1. Kehilat Hadar: A Model of Empowered Judaism 15
2. Independent Minyanim Nationwide: Significance and Impact 61
3. The Diverse Landscape of Independent Minyanim: Voices from the Field 85
4. Engaged Davening: How Empowered Jews Pray 111
5. Yeshivat Hadar: Fostering a Generation of Empowered Jews 129
6. Empowerment and Meaning: A New Frame for Jewish Life 143
7. Pathways Forward: The Real Crisis in American Judaism 157

Appendix: An Empowered Judaism Approach to Understanding Prayer 163
Acknowledgments 177
Notes 183
Glossary 185
Suggestions for Further Reading 193