This powerful memoir chronicles the life of one of America’s most celebrated rabbis—Rabbi Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi, or “Reb Zalman” as he is fondly known to friends and followers. The book traces his life from a youth in the shadow of the Nazis through the tumultuous 1960s in America to his position as a renowned religious leader today.   Often controversial for his attraction to cultural mavericks and religious rebels, Reb Zalman’s colorful lifetime includes a striking cast of characters across faith traditions, including Timothy Leary, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Thomas Merton, the Dalai Lama, and more. The book traces Reb Zalman’s work creating the vibrant Jewish Renewal movement that emphasizes spiritual experience and continues to touch Jews around the world today.  Reb Zalman often illustrates his talks with anecdotes from his life, and My Life in Jewish Renewal brings together the life story of this beloved leader for the first time.   Reb Zalman often illustrates his talks with stories from his life, and My Life in Jewish Renewal brings together the complete life story of this beloved leader for the first time.

"Zalman Schachter-Shalomi has written a robust and creative memoir with Edward Hoffman, author of The Kabbalah Reader and other books. Known by friends and students as ‘Reb Zalman,’ he has left his mark on Judaism by founding the Jewish Renewal movement….This book also tracks this open-minded and open-hearted rabbi's fascination with pastoral psychology, Sufism, conscious aging, and a variety of spiritual experiences…. he has served as a scout for all of us, leading us into new territory and exposing us to fresh teachings and wisdom coming from many different places. Only an incredibly busy and productive seer could end his memoir with a section on ‘My Unfulfilled Projects.’ Reb Zalman has given all he has in service of others and we are the richer and wiser for it." - Spirituality and Practice

"This absorbing memoir presents the life of one of the most important spiritual leaders and teachers today, the founder of the Jewish Renewal movement...Black and white photographs of Reb Zalman at different stages of his life and some of the people who influenced him are included, and the text is interspersed with quotes from Reb Zalman’s writings and other relevant documents...This memoir has broad appeal, and it is recommended for all types of Jewish libraries, and Judaica collections, starting from high school. It is a valuable resource for understanding the growth and development of Jewish Renewal, and a notable contribution to American Jewish history." - Association of Jewish Libraries Reviews