Tradition and Innovation
Despite his profound impact upon American Judaism, Schachter-Shalomi's renewal teachings are only beginning to take hold in Europe and Israel. To many, he is still a misunderstood figure, representing far more "innovation" than they are comfortable with, and yet "guilty" of far less than they usually suspect.
A charismatic and infinitely accessible teacher, he was able to "tap-in" to the particular need and interest of a generation ready for a paradigm shift in consciousness. His expansive personality and brilliantly creative mind have never found a place to rest, but continue to push the margins of spiritual growth, using the language of emerging technologies and ecological awareness. Nevertheless, he is deeply committed to restoring vitality to as much of tradition as is possible, and to "re-formatting" it for modern use. In many ways, this is his particular genius, to build the "spiritual technology" of the future from the traditional wisdom of the past.
