“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.”—Publishers Weekly

“Rabbi Goldstein has written a ‘Fear and Loathing on the Torah Trail’ that’s kick-ass but also wise and full of good ideas for what ails American Judaism. He shows that the greatest reverence can come from irreverence.”—Newsweek

Gonzo Judaism is both a clarion call for a new Jewish agenda and a blueprint for an adventurous but genuine path toward spiritual growth and true 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 and have relied too much on nostalgia, guilt, and fear—none of which resonate with modern Jews. He challenges Jews to adopt the “gonzo” spirit—the rebellious, risk-taking attitude associated with the gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson—and to take creative, innovative steps to reshape and revitalize contemporary Judaism.

Goldstein urges readers to take a fresh look at Judaism, to become educated about its history and tradition, to find what feels spiritually meaningful, and to create a Jewish culture and community rooted in affirmation, joy, and celebration. He provides a wealth of information on organizations, institutions, synagogues, grassroots groups, and networks that can help get you started on the gonzo path. Gonzo Judaism was chosen by Publishers Weekly as one of the best religion books of 2006, and was also a finalist for a Quill Award in 2007.