The Jewish Way to a Good Life: Find Happiness, Build Community, and Embrace Lovingkindness

by Rabbi Shira Stutman

Rest, community, and celebration are for everyone in this radical, refreshing book—where traditional Jewish wisdom becomes essential advice for today

“One of the blessings of twenty-first-century globalization is that it allows us entrée into other cultures and traditions. You no longer have to be Jewish to do Jewish.”—from the introduction

For as long as Judaism been a religion, “Jewish” has been a culture—one whose unique blend of ritual and realism has kept its people going for some 3,000 years. In The Jewish Way to a Good Life, Rabbi Shira Stutman invites readers of every faith—and none—to do chesed (good work), foster tzedek (justice), practice shabbat (rest), and ultimately find happiness.

From Love and Sex to Mourning and Money, Rabbi Shira visits ten realms where we all get lost on occasion, to deliver spirited, sometimes surprising wisdom. On love: Sex is meant to be fun and liberating. On rest: Time is even more sacred than things. Again and again, she reveals how customs have survived not out of obligation, but because they meet our deepest needs—from shiva, which allows mourning families not to be OK, to the unbridled joy of dancing the hora at weddings.
For anyone seeking community, meaning, or simply “something more,” The Jewish Way to a Good Life offers practical, time-tested ways to enrich our daily routines and engage those around us. By looking in and reaching out, we can all help tikkun olam—heal the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Jewish, Judaism, Spirituality

240 pages, Hardcover

Published March 25, 2025

Reviews

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Judaism is at its best, its ancient teachings are in active conversation with our modern day lives, bringing new layers of meaning to the questions of living that we grapple with daily. Here Rabbi Shira brings you exactly that — with her signature wisdom, brilliance, love and relatability. She has a unique gift for giving us Judaism in a form that is compelling, accessible, and appealing. While reading I found myself thinking of new practices I want to commit to as I walk around every day in the world. For anyone who is Jewish and wants to know more about the rich gems their heritage has to offer, for anyone who has always been curious to learn more about Judaism but is looking for something that feels real and fresh, and for those who aren’t Jewish at all but are looking for tools of how we live good lives, this book is for you. Believe me, this is an author whose mind you want to know.

[Laurenscher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be great for an interfaith family or for someone who is interested less in the “rules”’of Judaism and more in how to center Jewish values and practices in a way that makes life more purposeful, grounded, and supportive of the needs of community (defined narrowly and broadly). I read this book while I was losing my mother to dementia/hospice (and immediately following a year-long mourning of my father), and so I found the chapter on loss and mourning to be particularly compelling.

[Scott Snider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so much. Incredible perspective of Judaism and leading a meaningful life. Recommend for all!!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The self-help trend is a popular one. It’s estimated that, in 2024, Americans spent more than $800 million on self-help books, with more than $45.7 billion being spent worldwide. That means many people are dissatisfied with all or part of their lives. Can Judaism play a role in helping them? Rabbi Shira Stutman certainly believes that Jews and non-Jews can live more meaningful and purposeful lives by following Jewish principles and practices. Her work “The Jewish Way to a Good Life: Find Happiness, Build Community, and Embrace Lovingkindness” (The Experiment) offers easy-to-read chapters filled with suggestions and practical advice on exactly how to do that. It also serves as an excellent review of Jewish principles.
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/book...

[Jennie Apter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a treat to learn from R. Shira again and to gather together w old and new friends and see and feel her impact and the love and wisdom and joy filling the room. So many gems here, just in time, will add to my shelf of meditation reading and teachings. I particularly loved her teaching on finding your chesed your tzedakah, which won’t be the same for everyone or even as it was for your earlier and later selves!

[Rebecca Brenner Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

a soothing walk through Rabbi Shira’s Jewish interpretations and values. topics include love, sex, happiness, money, education, community, justice, Shabbat, & death. full of engaging anecdotes & details, reading this one felt like being back at Sixth & I in the twenty-teens. highly recommend! my only complaint is that someone else narrated the audiobook.

[SheReaders Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe the best book for Jewish literacy that I've ever read. Rabbi Shira has such a thoughtful and inspiring way of explaining the Jewish culture and customs which help one to lead a meaningful life. Seems like a book I could read every few years for a refresher. I just loved reading this! Also, if you are not already a Chutzpod! listener, RUN to subscribe.

[Michele I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book with a modern approach to traditional Judaism.

Well written and thought provoking, this is an excellent overview of many of the most important beliefs and practices in Judaism. Readers who are new to Judaism and those who have studied the religion throughout their lives will learn from and enjoy this exciting addition to Jewish literature.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rabbi Shira's practical and approachable guidance for all of life's essentials. A great book for someone exploring Judaism, reevaluating their life, or just looking for a refresher on the big stuff. Rabbi Shira takes on topics ranging from food to money to mourning. Highly recommended.

[Natalie Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much appreciated this book. It could also be titled How to be a Mensch, How to Find Connection to Yourself, Judaism and Other Jews, An Introduction to Judaism or even A Reintroduction to Judaism.

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF

Font size too small.

What I did read was just so-so for me.

I won a copy on Goodreads.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing, informative, and delightful.

[Jordan Drotsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflection, contemplation, and a wonderful read

[Melissa Balaban · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book. A gift to anyone who wants to understand the Jewish tradition as a path to a more meaningful life.