Rabbi Shmuley debates Jews' prioritizing materialism above religious rules for values and conduct

Rabbi Elazar Muskin of the Young Israel of Century City (where the event was held) hosted and moderated a panel, "Is materialism corrupting the soul of America?" organized by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach on July 28, 2010.

Participating panelists were Rabbi Naomi Levy (founder and spiritual leader of the Nashuva community - and wife to Jewish Journal editor-in-chief Rob Eshman), Jewish Journal staff-writer ("Hollywood Jew") Danielle Berrin, and Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti.  Rabbi Boteach expressed concern that, "Materialism is choking the soul of America."



The panelists debated topics which Rabbi Shmuley addresses in his book, "Renewal - A Guide to the Values-Filled Life." 

Excerpt: "But Jews believe in world redemption, the capacity for the individuals to make heaven here on earth for, the betterment of the community. Action. What you do is more important than what you believe. Good deeds always supersede good dogma." 

Please note: Wireless microphone complications, and not editorial decisions, influenced the timing of edits of staticky moments from this video.  (With credit to Jonah Lowenfeld in Jewish Journal of L.A. 28 July 2010).