Howard Schultz's Faith: Jewish Beliefs And Practice

does howard schultz follow the jewish faith

Howard Schultz is an American businessman and author who was the chairman and CEO of Starbucks. He is also the former owner of the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics. Schultz was born on July 19, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, to Ashkenazi Jewish parents, Fred and Elaine Schultz, and grew up in the Canarsie Bayview Housing Projects. He has described his family as working-class and poor, though some of his childhood contemporaries recall a middle-class upbringing. Schultz has said that his Jewish identity would not be a central part of any presidential campaign he might run, stating that I am not running as a Jew if I decide to run for president, I'm running as an American who happens to be Jewish.

Characteristics Values
Raised in a working-class Jewish family Yes
Had a transformative encounter with an Orthodox rabbi Yes
Received an award from Aish Hatorah Yes
Donates to the Israeli government or army No
Starbucks kosher Unclear
Spoke about being Jewish to his employees Yes

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Howard Schultz was raised in a working-class Jewish family

Howard Schultz, the former CEO and chairman of Starbucks, was raised in a working-class Jewish family. Born in 1953 in Brooklyn, New York, to Ashkenazi Jewish parents, Fred and Elaine Schultz, he grew up in the Canarsie Bayview and Canarsie public housing projects. According to Schultz, his family was poor, although some of his childhood contemporaries recall a middle-class upbringing.

Schultz's father was a truck driver and World War II veteran who held a series of blue-collar jobs, including delivering cloth diapers. In a 2011 article for the Jewish website Aish, Schultz recalled an incident where he came home to find his father on the couch with a broken leg. His father hated his job, but on that particular day, he wished he could go back to work. This incident influenced Schultz, who wanted to build a company that his father would have been proud to work for.

Schultz's mother, Elaine, was a receptionist. He also had two siblings. After school, Schultz spent time at the Boys Club of New York, with which he remains active as an alumnus. He graduated from Canarsie High School in 1971 and went on to Northern Michigan University, becoming the first person in his family to attend college.

Schultz has described his family as working-class, and his upbringing certainly seems to fit that description. His parents worked in low-income jobs, and the family lived in subsidized housing. However, some of his childhood peers have offered a different perspective, suggesting that their housing development was more middle-class. Despite this discrepancy, it is clear that Schultz's Jewish faith and working-class background have played a significant role in shaping his life and career.

In addition to his working-class background, Schultz's Jewish identity has also been a prominent aspect of his life. He has had several notable encounters with Jewish religious figures, including a transformative meeting with an Orthodox rabbi in Israel. Despite his faith, Schultz has stated that if he were to run for president, he would do so as an American who happens to be Jewish, rather than running as a Jew.

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He had a transformative encounter with an Orthodox rabbi

Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, grew up in a working-class Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York. In 2019, he publicly mulled running for president as a centrist independent, causing controversy among Democrats who feared he would split the vote and help re-elect Donald Trump.

Schultz's Jewish faith was brought up during this time, with people wondering what effect it would have on his campaign. Schultz responded that he would not be "running as a Jew" but as "an American who happens to be Jewish".

Indeed, Schultz's Jewish identity has influenced his worldview and business practices. He has had several encounters that have shaped his life, including a transformative meeting with an Orthodox rabbi in Israel. Here is more about this encounter:

The Transformative Encounter with an Orthodox Rabbi

Schultz met the late Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel on a trip to Israel with a group of American businessmen. Finkel, who led the prominent Mir Yeshiva, asked the group what lesson they drew from the Holocaust. No one could provide a satisfactory answer. The rabbi then shared a story about a group of Jews in a concentration camp.

"As they went into the area to sleep, only one person was given a blanket for every six. The person who received the blanket, when he went to bed, had to decide, 'Am I going to push the blanket to the five other people who did not get one, or am I going to pull it toward myself to stay warm?' And Rabbi Finkel says, 'It was during this defining moment that we learned the power of the human spirit because we pushed the blanket to five others.'"

Finkel then stood up and said, "Take your blanket. Take it back to America and push it to five other people." This encounter left a deep impression on Schultz, influencing his business philosophy and commitment to social impact.

In another anecdote from their meeting, Schultz recounted visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem with Finkel. As they approached, the rabbi stopped about ten yards away with a crowd of admirers nearby. When Schultz beckoned him to come closer, Finkel replied, "I've never been closer than this. [...] You go. I'm not worthy."

This transformative encounter with Rabbi Finkel highlighted Schultz's respect for the rabbi's humility and deep faith. It also underscored the importance of his Jewish faith and its impact on his life, both personally and professionally.

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He received an award from Aish Hatorah

In 1998, Howard Schultz travelled to Israel to receive an award from Aish HaTorah, an Orthodox outreach group. The award was called "The Israel 50th Anniversary Tribute Award" and was bestowed by the Jerusalem Fund of Aish Ha-Torah. Schultz met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the trip. Among his fellow recipients were then-Senator Joe Biden and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The Aish award is given to "men and women who have made dramatic contributions to American society and Jewish heritage."

Schultz received the award for "playing a key role in promoting a close alliance between the United States and Israel". This award was given to Schultz in recognition of his efforts to strengthen the relationship between the two nations.

The award from Aish HaTorah is significant because it highlights Schultz's contributions to American society and Jewish heritage. It also underscores his commitment to fostering strong ties between the United States and Israel, which is a significant aspect of his public life.

Furthermore, the fact that Schultz was chosen to receive this award alongside notable figures such as Joe Biden and Margaret Thatcher underscores the magnitude of his achievements and influence. This award not only recognises his professional accomplishments but also his impact on Jewish heritage and the importance he places on his cultural identity.

The Aish HaTorah award is a testament to Schultz's impact and his ability to bridge the gap between American society and Jewish heritage, promoting a strong alliance with Israel in the process.

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Starbucks issued a statement clarifying that Schultz does not donate to the Israeli government or army

Howard Schultz, the former CEO and chairman of Starbucks, has been the subject of various discussions regarding his religious affiliation and political stance. In 2014, Starbucks issued a statement clarifying that neither the company nor Schultz provided financial support to the Israeli government or its army. This statement was released in response to increasing false rumors and a boycott campaign by pro-Palestinian activists, who had gained over 240,000 supporters. The activists claimed that Schultz's receipt of the Aish award in Israel and his remarks at a Seattle synagogue in 2006 indicated his anti-Palestinian sentiments.

The clarification regarding Schultz's donations is particularly noteworthy as it highlights the company's and Schultz's position on the complex issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is important to separate personal beliefs from corporate actions, and Starbucks took a definitive step to address the rumors. This situation also underscores the scrutiny that public figures and companies can face regarding their political and financial affiliations, especially in highly sensitive topics such as the Middle East conflict.

The statement from Starbucks spokesperson Jim Olson emphasized that the company did not financially support the Israeli government or its military endeavors. This statement aimed to distance Starbucks and Schultz from allegations of taking sides in the conflict. By addressing these rumors, Starbucks attempted to maintain its neutrality in a highly polarized issue. However, it is essential to recognize that taking such a stance can be challenging, as individuals' beliefs and actions are often interconnected with their cultural and religious backgrounds.

Schultz, who grew up in a working-class Jewish family in Brooklyn, has had several notable encounters that highlight his connection to his faith. For instance, he met with Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel in Israel, an experience that left a profound impact on him. Additionally, in 1998, Schultz received the "The Israel 50th Anniversary Tribute Award" from the Jerusalem Fund of Aish Ha-Torah for his role in fostering a strong alliance between the United States and Israel.

While Starbucks' statement clarified that Schultz did not financially support the Israeli government or army, it is important to recognize that individuals' beliefs and actions are complex and influenced by various factors. Schultz's faith and cultural background have undoubtedly shaped his perspectives, and it is essential to approach such topics with sensitivity and respect for individual differences.

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Schultz spoke about being Jewish to his employees after the far-right rally in Charlottesville

Howard Schultz, the former Starbucks CEO, has been open about his Jewish identity and has addressed it on several occasions. One notable instance occurred after the far-right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017, where neo-Nazis and white nationalists clashed with counterprotesters. Days after this violent event, Schultz held a meeting with Starbucks employees, where he spoke about his Jewish faith and expressed his concerns about the state of the nation.

In his address to his employees, Schultz introduced himself as an American, a Jew, a parent, and a grandparent, and as someone who had been with Starbucks for almost 40 years. He expressed profound concern about the lack of character, morality, and humanity displayed during the rally and worried about the impact of such behaviour on young, impressionable minds. Schultz's words reflected his worry about the direction in which the country was headed and the potential long-lasting effects on future generations.

Schultz's willingness to speak about his Jewish faith, especially in the aftermath of a hate-fuelled event like Charlottesville, demonstrated his commitment to addressing issues of bigotry and discrimination head-on. As a prominent business leader, his stance carried weight and sent a message of solidarity to those affected by the events in Charlottesville and beyond.

Schultz's openness about his Jewish identity is also evident in other aspects of his life and career. He has had transformative encounters with Jewish religious leaders, such as his meeting with Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel in Israel. Additionally, he has received awards from Jewish organisations like the Aish Hatorah, recognising his contributions to American society and Jewish heritage.

While some people have criticised Schultz for his political aspirations, with some even accusing him of being anti-Palestinian, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to his Jewish faith and values. His actions and words, including his address to Starbucks employees after Charlottesville, showcase his willingness to confront issues of hate and bigotry and serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and humanity.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Howard Schultz was born to Ashkenazi Jewish parents, Fred and Elaine Schultz, in Brooklyn, New York. He was raised in a working-class Jewish family.

Yes, Howard Schultz's Jewish faith influenced his career as the chairman and CEO of Starbucks. He received the "Israel 50th Anniversary Tribute Award" from the Jerusalem Fund of Aish Ha-Torah for "playing a key role in promoting a close alliance between the United States and Israel". Additionally, his faith influenced his business practices, such as his commitment to fair trade and ethical sourcing of coffee beans.

Howard Schultz has stated that if he were to run for president, he would do so as an American who happens to be Jewish, rather than as a Jew. While his Jewish identity may not be the primary focus of his campaign, it has been a topic of discussion and consideration among the public and the media.

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