Confessions of a Rabbi

by Jonathan Romain

The secrets of the confessional are too important to be kept secret, and Jonathan Romain shares them all in this rollercoaster of crises, emotional traumas, moral dilemmas, attempts at seduction, multiple murders, machiavellian families, hijacked weddings, catastrophic funerals and a maze of other people's sexual fantasies.
Rabbi Romain's previous careers - as a radio agony uncle, prison chaplain, postman and nightclub bouncer - have helped him navigate the human jungle, and now he takes us with him on a remarkable journey spiced with wit and wisdom. Revealing the extraordinary stories of ordinary people, Confessions of a Rabbi is a candid, poignant and often hilarious insight into the human condition.

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2017

Reviews

[Margaret Madden · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up after 100 pages. Awful. It was like a collection of stories that a teacher had asked a classroom of ten year olds to write. While it is obvious that the author is a dedicated and intelligent man, and indeed has written lots of academic titles, writing light essays is not his forte.

[Missymo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read this book on and off for about 18 months and I’m glad I’ve finished it. It was a good pick me up put me down sort of book but it just didn’t hold my attention fully and I have to say I don’t particularly like Rabbi Jonathan very much either. I found him to be quite full of himself and it was more about him then his congregation. Sorry Rabbi.

[Dina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although at times entertaining and enlightening, those stories are few and far between. The first chapter on sex felt like "sex sells" so let's put some of those stories in. The next on death, which was so morbid, I had to skip it. After that the book actually begins. The stories get better and you are used to the writing style by then. I took out a few good thoughts out of this one, I just wish there were more I could take, but unfortunately they lacked.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s taken me a few months to get through this book. Now this isn't a bad thing, in fact it's a good thing, as this type of book is one you pop in and out of. For the most part, it is an enjoyable read of his experiences with his congregation and others with some very good advice. However, saying this, there were a few bits I found not as interesting. Overall, though, it was worth the read.

[Jonny Brick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rabbi's role in a community, with anecdotes from a full megillah of responsibilities. More people-focussed than about halachah, with plenty for non-Jews to enjoy too. Maidenhead have been lucky to have him!

[Rowan Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, very light hearted and enlightening too. I'll be looking into reading more by JR.

[Zlatka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice collection of anecdotes.

[Julia Shumway · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very pleasant, sweet read. I enjoyed every story.

[Normz · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first half was one of the worst books Ive read, but he redeemed himself towards the end.