Recent experience both in the Unites States and in other countries has occasionally undermined notions of progress towards increasing inclusion, acceptance, equality, repair, and justice throughout the west. Arguably, at various times the core values expressed by the Reform movement and its rabbinate seemed to correspond to those articulated by others in key positions of leadership and power in our civil societies. At other times, the correspondence has seemed less evident. Throughout modernity, rabbis of all denominations have often articulated goals and values in the face of controversy and resistance, and on certain occasions in the context of what appeared to be significant setbacks. Yet, certain rabbis have led successful “counter-cultural” campaigns with great conviction and energy. In this session, we will examine a few samples of writing that reflect what may be termed “counter-cultural” rabbinic leadership and identify certain hallmarks of the rabbinic articulation of values and setting of strategies through this exercise.