Rabbi Steinmetz book presents ‘A Proud Jew’

Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on the Upper East Side has published “A Proud Jew,” drawing on his weekly Torah essays.

The essays collected in the new volume, his third book, reference weekly Torah portions, the holidays, Jewish life and contemporary events. Together, they explore what it means to live as a Jew in a complicated world and why Jewish identity should be a source of strength rather than something to conceal.

The book’s title comes from one of its essays, but as Rabbi Steinmetz writes in the preface, it reflects the message of the entire collection: “Our mission is to carry with pride Judaism’s message to humanity.”

That message has taken on particular urgency in Rabbi Steinmetz’s work in New York.

Alongside his role as teacher, clergy and spiritual leader, he has become a prominent advocate for Jewish safety and a vocal opponent of antisemitism. He has repeatedly called on New York City leaders and law enforcement to protect Jewish institutions and ensure that Jews can live openly and safely.

In 2019, he called on the NYPD to provide security for synagogues, arguing that protecting houses of worship is a government responsibility. More recently, as antisemitic incidents have affected Jewish communities across New York, he urged Jews not to retreat from public Jewish life but instead to stand together with pride.

The book also reflects the breadth of the rabbi’s pastoral career. As he writes in the preface, rabbinic life involves everything from the mundane — “reviewing budgets and caring for terrazzo” — to moments of tragedy and joy.

His stories include funerals, weddings, illness, unexpected encounters and the birth of a child after nearly two decades of infertility. These experiences have shaped his perspective on Jewish life and the human experiences addressed throughout the collection.

A Proud Jew follows Rabbi Steinmetz’s earlier books, including “Despite Everything: A Chronicle of Jewish Resilience in the Aftermath of October 7th.”

Reported by Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun.