Connected Capitalism: How Jewish Wisdom Can Transform Work

by David Weitzner

Overview

In our present state of disconnect and loss, Connected Capitalism offers us a deeper and more satisfying approach to both work and life.

What should our post-COVID work world look like?

In Connected Capitalism, David Weitzner shows us how to draw from the classic teachings of Judaism in order to positively transform our workplaces and our working lives. He outlines a philosophy that will empower the disenchanted to build a stable future in a world of crony capitalism, global pandemics, racial injustice, and social disconnect.

Weitzner, a professor of management who chooses to look beyond management and mindfulness, envisions a workplace based on the ancient Jewish practices of mitzvah, creating a space for meaningful moments with other people, and chavrusa, co-creating and working on endeavors together.

Combining these spiritual concepts with the voices of today’s political strategists, business leaders, and artists, Connected Capitalism inspires us to approach our work with curiosity, engage with those who were once strangers, and tap into a hopeful and meaningful future.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781487508425
Publisher:	University of Toronto Press
Publication date:	04/13/2021
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

David Weitzner is an assistant professor in the School of Administrative Studies at York University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction: It’s Time for a Different Spirituality

Part One: Meaning in Work

1. Mindfulmess
2. Be Spiritual or Do Spiritual Work?
3. Mitzvah in the Workplace

Part Two: Connecting through Work

4. Transformational Cooperation
5. All "WE"s, Always
6. Connected Capitalism

Part Three: Wonder at Work

7. Curiosity Isn’t Relevant
8. Elevating Forgiveness
9. Strategize for Hope

Notes

What People are Saying About This

Michael Solomon

“David Weitzner does an impeccable job of connecting the spiritual with the corporate, explaining how the new workplace is better served by the bridging of these two seemingly disparate disciplines. The result is a roadmap for improvement that leaders need to understand.”

Jack M. Mintz

"I enjoyed reading David Weitzner's provocative book. Even though I strongly believe that capitalism and competition has provided significant benefits to society, I agree that a successful business also relies on trust and cooperation in its relations with its customers, workers, and suppliers. Weitzner argues that we should think of work within a concept of '"connected capitalism.'". The best part of this argument is related to spiritualism — we should not be spiritual but do spiritualism. He ties this in with the Jewish concept of chavrusa — taking personal responsibility to fix things in our daily lives."

Douglas Rushkoff

“At first glance, one might worry about what David Weitzner's integration of business with spirituality might mean for religion. But what they should really be wondering about is how this truly spiritual approach to commerce will make 'business as usual' utterly impossible.”

Sunshine Jones

"What a book! I find myself nodding and smiling, clenching my fists, gnashing my teeth, and laughing while I read. A vital, significant, and deeply personal book, Connected Capitalism looks at how we can redeem ourselves as a species, a culture, and a society."

Tiffany Shlain

"David Weitzner brilliantly draws from Jewish wisdom in Connected Capitalism to align our workplaces with our values."

Nels Cline

"David Weitzner's voice is a measured, compassionate one as it rises above the din of knee-jerk opinion and judgement. Listen: the man has ideas and he knows how to communicate them."

Rabbi Tzvi Freeman

“Mamesh, there's some good stuff in here!”

Moses L. Pava

"A timely and enlightening book on how to bring our whole selves to work. Written from a Jewish perspective, this book will be of interest to anyone searching for meaning in business. David Weitzner's focus on connection and wonder will resonate with all spiritual seekers. The book is both inspiring and practical. It brings the ancient Jewish tradition into conversation with some of today's most pressing and important issues and does so in a readable, lively, and compelling way.”

Editorial Reviews

"For business leaders whose education and experience have focused only on profit and end results, Weitzner’s book, as well as other works that he mentions, can provide some guidance in how to change the office dynamic."

—Sheryl Pockrose, The American Israelite

"Mamesh, there’s some good stuff in here!"—Rabbi Tzvi Freeman, senior editor at Chabad.org and author of Wisdom to Heal the Earth
"At first glance, one might worry about what David Weitzner’s integration of business with spirituality might mean for religion. But what they should really be wondering about is how this truly spiritual approach to commerce will make ‘business as usual’ utterly impossible."—Douglas Rushkoff, Professor of Media Theory and Digital Economics, Queen's College, City University of New York, and author of Team Human, Present Shock, and Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus
"David Weitzner does an impeccable job of connecting the spiritual with the corporate, explaining how the new workplace is better served by the bridging of these two seemingly disparate disciplines. The result is a roadmap for improvement that leaders need to understand."—Michael Solomon, co-founder of 10x Management and 10x Ascend, and co-author of Game Changer: How to Be 10x in the Talent Economy
"A timely and enlightening book on how to bring our whole selves to work. Written from a Jewish perspective, this book will be of interest to anyone searching for meaning in business. David Weitzner’s focus on connection and wonder will resonate with all spiritual seekers. The book is both inspiring and practical. It brings the ancient Jewish tradition into conversation with some of today’s most pressing and important issues and does so in a readable, lively, and compelling way."—Moses L. Pava, Alvin H. Einbender University Professor in Business Ethics, Yeshiva University

"I enjoyed reading David Weitzner's provocative book. Even though I strongly believe that capitalism and competition has provided significant benefits to society, I agree that a successful business also relies on trust and cooperation in its relations with its customers, workers, and suppliers. Weitzner argues that we should think of work within a concept of ‘"connected capitalism.’". The best part of this argument is related to spiritualism – we should not be spiritual but do spiritualism. He ties this in with the Jewish concept of chavrusa – taking personal responsibility to fix things in our daily lives."

—Jack M. Mintz, President’s Fellow of the School of Public Policy, University of Calgary

"David Weitzner’s voice is a measured, compassionate one as it rises above the din of knee-jerk opinion and judgement. Listen: the man has ideas and he knows how to communicate them."

—Nels Cline, Wilco guitarist, composer

"What a book! I find myself nodding and smiling, clenching my fists, gnashing my teeth, and laughing while I read. A vital, significant, and deeply personal book, Connected Capitalism looks at how we can redeem ourselves as a species, a culture, and a society."

—Sunshine Jones, electronic musician

"David Weitzner brilliantly draws from Jewish wisdom in Connected Capitalism to align our workplaces with our values."

—Tiffany Shlain, author of 24/6: Giving up Screens One Day a Week to Get More Time, Creativity, and Connection and founder of The Webby Awards

From the Publisher

"For business leaders whose education and experience have focused only on profit and end results, Weitzner's book, as well as other works that he mentions, can provide some guidance in how to change the office dynamic."

The American Israelite - Sheryl Pockrose