Customer Reviews

Gonzo Judaism: A Bold Path for Renewing an Ancient Faith

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Goldstein's title is well-chosen. "Gonzo Judaism" is to religion and ethics what Hunter Thompson was to real, investigative journalism. Here, one finds provocation and interjection ("damn it!" on nearly every other page), but little in the way of a vision of what Judaism should be, why it deserves to survive, and what role it should play in the world of the 21st century and beyond.

Much of what Goldstein has to say about renewing Judaism is true. Today, its rituals are mind-numbingly boring and lacking in passion, while most (usually self-proclaimed) spokespeople for the Jewish community (e.g. Abe Foxman) are whiny disciplinarians. Judaism (and Jewish culture) could use the energy infused from retreats and extreme sports, a reexamination of lost rituals and the tribal notion of community.

Unfortunately, that's all Goldstein has to offer. Although he rightly calls for a middle ground between passionate commitment and intellectual openness, this offering, is, in practice, decidedly anti-intellectual. One searches the book in vain for any sort of argument about why "ethical monotheism" is worth preserving. Goldstein simply assumes that the product sells itself, if sold properly. He does not comment on the broad, secularizing trend of the last several centuries (a trend that transcends Judaism), nor on the fact that Jews are among the most secular groups in the world today. He merely asserts that a recommitment of Jews to Judaism and the Jewish tradition is a worthy goal in its own right. Perhaps Goldstein has a more profound answer, but he does not see fit to share it with his readers here. Furthermore, Goldstein has nothing to say about the role of Jews and Judaism in the contemporary era. In this world, "the West", of which Judaism has been interpreted as a foundational movement over the last fifty years, is increasingly on the defensive. The state of Israel, which Goldstein says is of existential value to Judaism no matter how much one might disagree with its policies, has become a Crusader state, and an American tool for sowing chaos and dissension in the Middle East. Is the discussion of the political role of Judaism simply too "un-gonzo" for Goldstein? How is Judaism, which has chosen to make its spiritual center in the Middle East, to interface with Islam? Should it (and if so, how) become re-Orientalized? Should it, following the decline of a heavily Jewish Marxism, continue to identify itself with the struggle for global equality? And is God (or monotheism) still important for such a struggle? In wondering whether to recommit to the Jewish tradition, one thirsts to have these questions answered; instead, what one gets is simply a recycled corporate teamwork ideology. For those wishing to tackle the big questions, keep searching.

But this book is amazing, it really get's you excited and involved in the ideas of the revitalization of Judaism without losing the context of traditionalism or base Torah concepts. I think many of his ideas are exciting and energizing, even if you don't fully agree with him, you can't help but start to delve deeper into your own spiritual practice by realizing that it's still applicable in this day and age.

For Jews who cannot find what they need from their faith in today's world, Gonzo Judaism makes it real and relatable. There is nothing else like this out there. This book is user friendly and fun. Perfect for anybody interested in Judaism today.

Goldstein is finally the voice that speaks to and can relate to the gen X and Y'ers whom are desperately looking for fresh and GONZO ways to enhance and enrich their Jewishness. His writing is honest and in your face. If you're looking to explore a Judaism that inspires YOU, read this book now! GOLDSTEIN's voice and vision are what the Jewish community has been looking for!

Goldstein's vision and approach to redefine a practice of Judaism seems like a breath of fresh air in the dusty conventional rabbinic world.
At last, somebody understood why young jews desert synagogues!

This is an impassioned take modern Judaism, but can serve as a clarion call to those who would wish to rejuvenate their lives. Goldstein is passionate, and humorous.

Whether you are Jewish or not, Gonzo Judaism presents an emphatic perspective on solitary and group worship.

Worth reading!!