Harold Samuel Kushner was an American rabbi, author, and lecturer best known for his role as the spiritual leader of Temple Israel in Natick, Massachusetts, where he served for over 20 years. He was also known for his writings on religion, ethics and spirituality. Kushner received his education at Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. Before he served as a rabbi he worked for Jester of Columbia and WKCR and eventually became the director of sports broadcasting. He served as a ... moreHarold Samuel Kushner was an American rabbi, author, and lecturer best known for his role as the spiritual leader of Temple Israel in Natick, Massachusetts, where he served for over 20 years. He was also known for his writings on religion, ethics and spirituality. Kushner received his education at Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. Before he served as a rabbi he worked for Jester of Columbia and WKCR and eventually became the director of sports broadcasting. He served as a rabbi for several congregations in the United States. He was also a prolific writer, publishing over a dozen books on topics ranging from theodicy and suffering to prayer and forgiveness. Kushner's most famous work, "When Bad Things Happen to Good People," was published in 1981 and became a bestseller. He wrote the book after the death of his 14-year-old son. The book explored the problem of evil and suffering in the world from a Jewish perspective and offered a message of hope and comfort to those who were struggling with loss and tragedy. Throughout his career, Kushner was a sought-after speaker and lecturer, and he appeared on numerous television programs and talk shows. He was widely respected as a wise and compassionate voice in the Jewish community and beyond teaching at various institutions like Clark University. Kushner won numerous awards throughout his career including being named clergyman of the year by the national organization Religion in American Life in 1999 and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Jewish Book Council.
