Flashes of insight—surprising, entertaining, inspiring—
from one of the most creative spiritual thinkers in America.
“The goal of all spiritual life is to get your ego out of the way—outwit the sucker; dissolve it; shoot it; kill it. Silence the incessant planning, organizing, running, manipulating, possessing, and processing that are the ineluctable redoubts of the ego. Not because these activities are bad or wrong or even narcissistic … but because they preclude awareness of the Divine. To paraphrase the Talmud, God says, ‘There ain’t room enough in this here world for your ego and Me. You pick.’”
—from the Introduction
Tapping the experiences and wisdom of his career as a spiritual leader, Lawrence Kushner delights, surprises, challenges and inspires us. With his signature candor, wit and compassion, he helps us reconnect with the why and how of our spiritual lives. He encourages us to find new perspectives on the “life-stuff” that shapes them, and gently reminds us of the Source of it All.
These inspiring—often startling—insights will warm you during the dark times of your own doubts even as they brighten your quest for meaning, faith, identity, community—and holiness.
“[Kushner’s] breezy style and humor make this exceedingly readable.... Instructive as well as entertaining and contains many quotable pearls of wisdom. He is skilled at simplifying and explaining Jewish concepts and topics.”
—Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter
“Deep, important, stimulating, inspiring, funny, and eminently worthwhile.”
—Jewish Media Review
“A window into the heart and soul of a man who models what it means to be a rabbi…. You will be touched by [his] gentle, lighthearted and compassionate ... Truth.”
—Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, co-author, Jewish with Feeling and A Heart Afire;
author, First Steps to a New Jewish Spirit
“Noteworthy insights.... Every observation is thoughtful and thought-provoking.”
—Jewish Book World
“A wonderful collection of classic Kushner wit and wisdom. He has a gift for presenting profound ideas in phrase and story that speak to our lives.”
—Rabbi Ellen Dreyfus, president, Central Conference of American Rabbis;
rabbi, B’nai Yehuda Beth Sholom, Homewood, Illinois
“An excellent collection of wit and wisdom, not to be missed.”
—Wisconsin Bookwatch
“Larry Kushner experiences Jewish life with … an extra measure of soul. Where we find closed doors, he finds open possibilities. Where we see endings, he perceives new beginnings. With love and humor, he invites us to see our Jewish lives through new eyes.”
—Rabbi Edward Feinstein, editor, Jews and Judaism in the 21st Century:
Human Responsibility, the Presence of God and the Future of the Covenant
“Breezy [and] accessible ... Kushner[’s] wisdom, realism, and the sources he calls upon demonstrate the depth and perceptiveness of his approach to difficult problems.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Very humorous.... Includes serious messages within the humor.”
—Jewish Eye
“So witty and entertaining that you won’t want to put [it] down. [Its] deep wisdom and clear insight sneak up on you while you’re chuckling.”
—Rabbi David A. Teutsch, PhD, author, Spiritual Community: The Power to Restore Hope, Commitment and Joy
“A familiar, comforting, yet invigorating assembly of reflections.”
—Library Journal
“A pleasurable read that is often profound.”
—Tikkun
