Gonzo Judaism: A Bold Path for Renewing an Ancient Faith »

Niles Elliot Goldstein is the founding rabbi of The New Shul in Manhattan. He lectures widely on religion and spirituality and has taught at New York University and the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Goldstein is the National Jewish Chaplain for the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and was the voice behind "Ask the Rabbi" on the Microsoft Network. His work has appeared in Newsweek, Los Angeles Times, and many other publications, and he is the author or editor of six previous books. Goldstein has been featured in Time, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Christian Science Monitor, New York magazine, and Glamour, as well as on national and international television and radio. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

here is a book that is both a clarion call for a new Jewish agenda and a blueprint for an adventurous but genuine path toward spiritual growth and religious wisdom. Rabbi Niles Elliot Goldstein, founder and Rabbi Emeritus of The New Shul in New York City, says that most conventional Jewish institutions are out of touch with modern Jews. Goldstein challenges Jews to adopt the "gonzo" spirit-the rebellious, risk-taking attitude associated with the gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson-and to take bold, creative, forward-looking steps to reshape and revitalize contemporary Judaism.

Goldstein urges readers to take a fresh look at contemporary Jewish life, to become educated about its history and traditions, to discover what is authentic, yet what also feels spiritually relevant and meaningful, and to create a Jewish culture and community rooted in affirmation, joy, and celebration. He provides a wealth of information on numerous organizations, institutions, synagogues, grassroots groups, and networks as well as periodicals that can help you get started on the gonzo path.

Publishers Weekly

Though born out of the "world of gonzo," rife with indignation, agitation, cynicism and a "biting urge to revolt," this book delivers such a soulful commentary that it could just as easily be called "Judaism Unplugged." Like musicians who return to the roots of their profession and play without electronica, Rabbi Goldstein, founding rabbi of the New Shul in Manhattan, reminds readers-whether they are new seekers or lapsed practitioners of Judaism-to confirm their knowledge of the "nuts and bolts" of their tradition before wistfully seeking the mystical. "Judaism, when presented in its best and most authentic light, doesn't coddle-it confronts," he says. Similarly, the rabbi pulls no punches, but manages to do so with the easy style of a coffeehouse conversation. Using a combination of Jewish history and personal anecdotes, he offers a wide range of alternative ways to explore Judaism individually or in small groups, if large congregations are not appealing. The extensive resource list that includes congregations, organizations and recommended reading promises to serve readers of all ages. With this edgy, funny, wise book, Goldstein may just have found a way to ensure the survival of the religion for another 6,000 years. (Sept.) [See the July 12 issue of Religion BookLine for an interview with Rabbi Goldstein.] Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.