Judaism for Everyone

With the publication of his runaway bestseller Kosher Sex, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach gained instant fame as a sage and savvy commentator on public and private life. Now he turns his outspoken energy and vast erudition to the core teachings of Judaism itself.

During his years as Rabbi of Oxford University and founder of the university's Jewish outreach organization, the L'Chaim Society, Boteach began to realize how well-matched the foundational beliefs of Judaism are to the broad human needs of the modern world. Unlike the dualist credo of other religions—in which the material and spiritual are always in conflict—the Jewish faith uniquely represents a spiritual philosophy concerned about life in this world, rather than in the hereafter.

In Judaism for Everyone, this most unorthodox of orthodox rabbis explores the Jewish and Biblical origins of civilization's seminal moral ideas and presents Judaism as a program of action for people of all faiths. Boteach's interpretations and commentary are a vibrant celebration of the dynamism that is Judaism. Whether he's peppering his points with stories from his childhood, promoting feminism, decrying boredom, or extolling the virtues of leisure and solitude, Shmuley Boteach never fails to inform, inspire, and surprise. Judaism for Everyone is for anyone who seeks a universal moral creed to maximize human goodness and inner potential.

RABBI SHMULEY BOTEACH has been labeled “a cultural phenomenon” by Newsweek and “the most famous rabbi in America” by the Washington Post, one of the world’s fifty most influential Jews by the Jerusalem Post, the most famous Orthodox Jew in the world by the New York Observer, and remains the standing record-holder for the London Times Preacher of the Year competition. He is the recipient of the American Jewish Press Association’s highest award for excellence in commentary. His thirty-seven books—translated into twenty languages—internationally syndicated columns, TLC TV show, and Oprah and Friends radio show have had a global impact.

Formerly rabbi at the University of Oxford for over a decade where he built the second largest student society in the University’s history, Rabbi Shmuley runs The World Values Network, promoting universal values in American politics, culture, and media. In 2021 he founded Values University (ValuesU.org) which features world leaders and influencers promoting the values and convictions which animate their life and work. He and his Australian wife Debbie are the proud parents of nine children. Follow him at www.shmuley.com and on Instagram, Facebook, and X @RabbiShmuley.

“His goal of making Jewish thought palatable and agreeable to a wide audience outside the Jewish faith should be applauded."—Jerusalem Post

"A great read, and a splendid steppingstone to a thoroughly enriched life."—Deepak Chopra

"An important book."—Larry King

"Boteach's great faith in Judaism as a source of inspiration shines through."—Publishers Weekly

"Good reading for people of all religions."—Buffalo News