Mensch-Marks: Life Lessons of a Human Rabbi-Wisdom for Untethered Times (Paperback)

"These unpretentious but powerful reflections provide a refreshing reprieve from the cynicism and distrust so pervasive today. No bromides or buzzwords here, this book relies on bluntly real, clear-eyed observation over a professional lifetime. They speak to the truth and force of love-the caring and compassion of a mensch through action not mere words. Rabbi Hammerman's wit and wisdom are no surprise to me; he is my rabbi. But the full tableau of his personal experiences and insights is extraordinary. His stories about his relationship with his brother, who is developmentally challenged, are especially moving. Each reader will find individual meaning and message that hits home. In Mensch?Marks, Joshua Hammerman has provided a prescription for ways to live a more human and humane life." -US Senator Richard Blumenthal
"Mensch-Marks. The title alone gets it off to a good start. And throughout, we find a graceful writer, lucid thinker, and wise and gentle soul." -Bob Costas, legendary Hall of Fame broadcaster and multiple Emmy Award winner -- Bob Costas * Legendary Hall of Fame broadcaster and multiple Emmy Award winner *
"It's rare to find a rabbi willing to put his foibles and faith on the page with as much honesty and fervor as Rabbi Joshua Hammerman offers in this addictive volume. Each chapter is its own gem, and every story becomes a reader's personal challenge-to look at how we move through the world, especially in this divisive moment. Kudos to Rabbi Hammerman for reminding us what to strive for, and doing it with a deft pen and a great sense of humor and humility." -Abigail Pogrebin, author of My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew -- Abigail Pogrebin * Author of My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew *
"Using wisdom from Hillel to Winnie the Pooh, Rabbi Hammerman has written a book that will make this world a kinder, gentler place. I'll be recommending it to both my nice friends and the cranky ones, too." -A.J. Jacobs, NYTimes bestselling author,The Year of Living Biblically:One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible -- A.J. Jacobs, NYTimes bestselling author, * The Year of Living Biblically:One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible *
"Rabbi Joshua Hammerman offers us a window into a deeply-lived life. From a genuine mensch, we learn what it is to live a life measured by moral growth and devotion to people and causes beyond us. Reading Mensch Marks is bound to leave us all determined to live better lives and be better people." -Daniel Gordis, author, Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn -- Daniel Gordis * Author, Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn *
"For the 'hassled masses' here is an invaluable guide written with clarity, wit and humility. Whatever path you are on, Rabbi Hammerman has been there and will point to the sites and stumbling blocks." -Rabbi David Wolpe, author, David: The Divided Heart -- Rabbi David Wolpe * Author, David: The Divided Heart *
"In what feels like a time of darkening in the world, Rabbi Hammerman brings light and wisdom. He is both a mensch and a very fine writer, and whatever your religious background, you'll find much in this book to learn from and to be inspired by." -Nigel Savage, President, Hazon [The Jewish Lab for Sustainability] -- Nigel Savage * President, Hazon [The Jewish Lab for Sustainability] *
"What a read! If a rabbi's job is to shake, rattle, and roll, Rabbi Hammerman is doing it. What he says is powerful and often profound, but how he says it is delightful, funny, clever, often poetic, always interesting. It's a life guide you should buy for someone who doesn't think he or she needs it. Then buy one for yourself. If everyone read Mensch Marks the world would be a much kinder, saner, better place. If Rabbi Hammerman were not a father, husband, philosopher, psychologist, journalist, world traveler, life guide, humorist, humanist, traditionalist, rebel, Talmudist, mohel, and mensch, he could not have written this book. I can't wait for the movie!" -Alan Kalter, renowned television announcer and the voice of Late Night with David Letterman -- Alan Kalter * Renowned television announcer and the voice of Late Night with David Letterman *
"A beautiful, warm, intimate book about the daily struggle to be a good human being." -Peter Beinart, author, The Crisis of Zionism -- Peter Beinar * Author, The Crisis of Zionism *
"If I could recommend just one book to every rabbi and politician in America, this would be it. A master class in what it means to be a mensch from one of the nation's most gifted rabbi-writers." -Jonathan D. Sarna, University Professor and Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis University -- Jonathan D. Sarna * University Professor and Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis U *
"You read Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's essays for the pure pleasure of his company, for the surprising connections he draws, for the deftness and humor with which he applies ancient teachings to 21st-century dilemmas. Rabbi Hammerman doesn't preach from on high. He speaks with the wisdom of a scholar and the generosity of a friend. You will be comforted and inspired by his example, enlightened and enriched by his words." -Lauren Redniss, McArthur Foundation "Genius Grant" fellow, National Book Award finalist, Pulitzer Prize nominee, and author of Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie, A Tale of Love and Fallout -- Lauren Redniss,McArthur Foundation "Genius Grant" fellow, National Book Award finalist, Pulitzer Prize nominee * Author of Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie, A Tale of Love and Fallout *
"This is an eloquent story of one rabbi's determination to learn lessons from text and from life and to share that knowledge while wrestling with faith, with loss, and with change. Rarely are people so honest, personal, and straightforward, sharing their thoughts and, even more rarely, speaking openly of their failures. Rabbi Hammerman puts values front and center. He is a mensch, and this book gives that word new meaning, making it clear that we can each develop this capacity over time." -Ruth Messinger, Global Ambassador and former President and CEO, American Jewish World Service -- Ruth Messinger * Global Ambassador and former President and CEO, American Jewish World Service *
"This is a deeply moving book... Miraculously, Hammerman has managed to maintain his decency, genuine concern for people, embrace of life-and a grounding sense of humor-through decades of an exhausting career with inexhaustible demands that empties all too many practitioners of their humanity.... One section of the book is titled "The Nobility of Normalcy." This whole book is a testament to the nobility of a normal (albeit high level) rabbinic life career and to the nobility in people living normal lives: practicing monogamy, visiting the sick, travelling outdoors through nature in wonder, suffering pain with dignity, shopping, exhibiting their Jewishness proudly, setting boundaries that protect their personal standards, balancing work and family. Hopefully, this book will inspire many to aspire to become menschen. At the least, reading this book will give you an unforgettable model of how to be a mensch, which many a reader will summon to inspire his or her own journey to mentschlichkeit." -Rabbi Dr. Irving "Yitz" Greenberg, founding Dir, President's Commission on Holocaust,Chair of the US.Holocaust Memorial Museum, founding Pres., Jewish Life Network -- Rabbi Dr. Irving "Yitz" Greenberg, * Founding Dir, President's Commission on Holocaust,Chair of the US.Holocaust Memorial Museum... *