Gonzo Judaism: A Bold Path for Renewing an Ancient Faith, A Conversation with Rabbi Niles Goldstein

“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 religious wisdom. Rabbi Niles Goldstein, founder of The New Shul in New York City and now the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Shalom in Napa Valley, 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 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, learn its history and tradition, discover what is authentic yet feels spiritually relevant and meaningful, and create a Jewish culture and community rooted in affirmation, joy and celebration. Rabbi Goldstein is the award-winning author or editor of ten books and a founder of the Napa Center for Thought & Culture. Prior to his arrival in Napa, he worked in a variety of congregational, interfaith and academic settings in Chicago. Goldstein teaches widely on spirituality, personal growth, the environment, leadership and congregational innovation. He has written for Newsweek, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Huffington Post, the Forward and other publications, and been featured in Time, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Christian Science Monitor and other venues, and on radio and television. Goldstein is the National Jewish Chaplain for the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and a member of PEN, the Renaissance Institute and the Central Conference of American Rabbis. He has served on the faculty of New York University, Loyola University, Eastern Mennonite University and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. All attendees will receive a copy of “Gonzo Judaism.”