Showing results by author "Danya Ruttenberg" in All Categories

American culture focuses on letting go of grudges and redemption narratives instead of the perpetrator’s obligations or recompense for harmed parties. As survivor communities have pointed out, these emphases have too often only caused more harm. But Danya Ruttenberg knew there was a better model, rooted in the work of the medieval philosopher Maimonides. For Maimonides, upon whose work Ruttenberg elaborates, forgiveness is much less important than the repair work to which the person who caused harm is obligated.

Every spiritual tradition teaches that we are all interconnected. Yet when we are faced with the world’s many injustices, we often want to turn away and isolate ourselves rather than feel the full measure of our grief, anger, and fear. “If we allow ourselves the space to fully experience these painful emotions,” says Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, “something amazing happens. We see more clearly how we can make a difference. We invite a deeper spirituality—one that goes beyond our personal experience to a greater communal solidarity.”