The Holy Thief: A Con Man's Journey from Darkness to Light – An Uplifting Memoir: From Mobster to Rabbi

by Mark Borovitz, Alan Eisenstock

Mark Borovitz was a mobster, gangster, con man, gambler, thief, and a drunk. He's seen it all. In this inspiring memoir, he takes you on a journey from the streets to discovering his soul in a prison cell. When Mark was fourteen, his father died and his world came crashing down. He stole, gambled, and drank, beginning a twenty-year life of crime, all the while trying to be the good son, the good brother, the good boy, but his life only spun more out of control until the mob put a hit out on him. After his release from prison, the drinking and thieving continued until, at the edge of oblivion, he experienced a moment of true divine intervention, a startling revelation that saved his life. Mark Borovitz proved that you can change your life -- profoundly. He is now the rabbi at Beit T'Shuvah in Los Angeles, the House of Return, a rehabilitation facility for addicts of all kinds. The Holy Thief is the remarkable memoir of an amazing man. It is a true-life gangster story, a passionate love story, and a case of study in redemption. Regardless of your faith, you will find his story tragic, funny, uplifting, and inspirational.

Genres: Memoir, Jewish, Judaica, Nonfiction, Autobiography

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[M.A. Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's nothing overly profound in Rabbi Borovitz's book. It doesn't grapple with complex theological issues or change how the reader sees the world. However, it still manages to do what all good memoirs do: It offers a compelling account of a life spent traveling strange roads.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, captivating read about what is essentially one man’s spiritual journey. I was particularly inspired by Rabbi Borovitz’s recounting of the moments that felt like divine intervention, especially the betting scene in which he chose - or rather, had no choice but? - to go to prison for a second time.

This book was published in 2004, and Rabbi Borovitz recounts a childhood and young adulthood growing up in the 60s and 70s. More than anything else, I was struck by the question of how much has changed since then. Technology, social media, and economic and cultural shifts have created a different environment than that in which Borovitz came of age, and I wonder how youth’s spiritual descents and journeys reflect that. What looks different, and what is the same?

This was a thoroughly enjoyable biographic tale, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre, is beginning to explore or question their own spiritual depths, or is struggling through a dark night of the soul.

[Shandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled across this book by accident - it was on display in my library's biography section. I thumbed through it at random, and found myself intrigued enough to check it out. It was a quick, fascinating, and inspiring read. I'm very glad to know that there are people like Rabbi Mark Borovitz in the world, helping those who've gone astray and want to make things better.

[Jo Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting story of redemption and change. Well written.

[Nicholas Maulucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

A weak 3. I listened to this book. A bit of profanity, but an interesting story.

[Huguette Larochelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

He was a drunk and a con man, and he became a Rabbi.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting being that it is a true story. poorly written and edited.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for work as part of a grant assessment. A bizarre, true story.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. Hard to believe someone can live such a life and turn things around and become a Rabbi.

[Thomas Hewlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible story of a thief, ex-con, drunk who heard the voice of G-d, returned to his religion, and ended up a Rabbi. "No soul is ever lost!" as he says.

[Paul Stringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!