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Rest, community, and celebration are for everyone in this radical, refreshing book—where traditional Jewish wisdom becomes essential advice for today
“One of the blessings of twenty-first-century globalization is that it allows us entrée into other cultures and traditions. You no longer have to be Jewish to do Jewish.”—from the introduction
For as long as Judaism been a religion, “Jewish” has been a culture—one whose unique blend of ritual and realism has kept its people going for some 3,000 years. In The Jewish Way to a Good Life, Rabbi Shira Stutman invites readers of every faith—and none—to do chesed (good work), foster tzedek (justice), practice shabbat (rest), and ultimately find happiness.
From Love and Sex to Mourning and Money, Rabbi Shira visits ten realms where we all get lost on occasion, to deliver spirited, sometimes surprising wisdom. On love: Sex is meant to be fun and liberating. On rest: Time is even more sacred than things. Again and again, she reveals how customs have survived not out of obligation, but because they meet our deepest needs—from shiva, which allows mourning families not to be OK, to the unbridled joy of dancing the hora at weddings.
For anyone seeking community, meaning, or simply “something more,” The Jewish Way to a Good Life offers practical, time-tested ways to enrich our daily routines and engage those around us. By looking in and reaching out, we can all help tikkun olam—heal the world.
“A friendly guide to how Jewish values can assist one in leading a more meaningful life. . . . A valuable primer for those seeking practical ways to apply Jewish principles to their lives.”―Publishers Weekly
“Grounded in centuries of tradition, Rabbi Shira Stutman’s The Jewish Way to a Good Life is a powerful reminder that wisdom from the past can enrich your present. This book offers a practical, inspiring road map to finding happiness and purpose in a fast-paced world.”—Arthur C. Brooks, Harvard professor and #1 New York Times–bestselling author of From Strength to Strength and coauthor (with Oprah Winfrey) of Build the Life You Want
“Rabbi Shira has written a beautiful book for anyone interested in learning about Judaism, or hoping to enrich their own daily Jewish experience, and she does it as only she can: with humor, joy, sensitivity, and a foot each in the ancient and modern worlds.”—Joshua Malina, actor and cohost of The West Wing Weekly
“Rabbi Shira makes Judaism feel alive, relevant, and totally accessible. If you’re Jewish but haven’t been able to find your way in, she holds the door open for you. If you’re not Jewish and want to live with more meaning and joy, she welcomes you. You’ll feel lucky to have her wise and encouraging voice in your head for years after you read it.”—Hanna Rosin, host of Radio Atlantic and author of The End of Men
“In this wise, moving, empathetic, funny, bracingly honest book, Rabbi Shira makes an ancient tradition come alive as she mines its depths for the wisdom so many of us yearn for today—not just about how to be happy, but how to live a life of kindness, integrity, and purpose. Whether you’re new to Judaism or seeking to connect more deeply to your tradition, in these pages, Rabbi Shira takes your hand and guides the way.”—Sarah Hurwitz, author of Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life—In Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There)
“As a Muslim, I found much-needed hope, guidance, and practical advice in Rabbi Shira Stutman’s The Jewish Way to a Good Life, in which she generously shares her community’s wisdom and traditions for a universal audience. This book, born from warmth and kindness, is the sermon we always wanted in Sunday school: inviting, nonjudgmental, uplifting lessons on how we can build resilience, empower our communities, tolerate our obnoxious family members, and resolve to live a life of purpose and empathy.”—Wajahat Ali, author of Go Back to Where You Came From
“This book is an invitation for anyone and everyone to learn from the ancient wisdom of the Jewish tradition. Rabbi Stutman has a knack for connecting with people where they are and bringing joy and insight into their lives—and she’s done it once again!”—Simran Jeet Singh, professor at Union Theological Seminary and author of The Light We Give
“Rabbi Shira Stutman, one of our nation’s most inspiring rabbis, invites Jews and non-Jews alike to explore some of Judaism’s core teachings for living a good life. This rich, accessible, and joyful book cracks opens an ancient wisdom tradition for modern readers with relevant texts, humorous stories, and Stutman’s own insightful voice. Open and explore.”—Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, senior rabbi at Central Synagogue, New York City
“Shira Stutman believes that pursuing justice and centering joy can change us and our world. So do I. No human being should be without justice in our abundant world. Each human being should be buoyed by joy that the world did not give, and the world cannot take away. Shira weaves a lovely tapestry of justice and joy in this thoughtful book designed for us all. Read it and get busy weaving in your community. Our broken and beautiful world is waiting.”—Reverend William H. Lamar IV, pastor at Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, Washington, DC
