The Purpose of Life Is a Life of Purpose

The Purpose of Life Is a Life of Purpose traces the remarkable journey of Rabbi Abie Ingber, a child of Holocaust survivors who embraced his parents' mandate to pursue peace and reconciliation. Guided by that calling, he has traveled to more than thirty countries, working with refugees, marginalized communities, and leaders across faith traditions to build bridges of understanding.

From conversations with popes and global figures to quiet encounters with individuals whose names may never be known, each experience deepened his commitment to unity and dialogue. Along the way, Rabbi Ingber founded international initiatives and cultural enterprises dedicated to interfaith engagement and social justice.

Rich with personal reflection and vivid storytelling, this memoir reveals how one life-rooted in faith, resilience, and moral courage-can shape communities across continents. It is an inspiring testament to the power of reconciliation and the enduring belief that every encounter carries the potential to change the world.

Rabbi Abie Ingber is an internationally recognized advocate for immigrant and refugee rights, social justice, and interfaith collaboration. For more than three decades, he served as executive director of the Hillel Jewish Student Center at the University of Cincinnati before founding the Center for Interfaith Community Engagement at Xavier University. A respected teacher, lecturer, and bridge-builder, he has worked with religious, civic, and cultural leaders around the world to foster dialogue and reconciliation. Rabbi Ingber's life's work reflects a deep commitment to unity across faiths and cultures, grounded in storytelling, scholarship, and compassionate leadership.