Rating: 
Summary: Religion for the 21st Century or Blowing into the Wind?
Review: After the first couple of chapters, I kept thinking Rushkoff was trying to place a square peg into a round whole, and wasn't sure I would complete the book. I'm glad I did. It is a challenging book, easy to read and contains fresh ideas and a fresh examination of the evolution of Jewish theology.. Rushkoff hopes to reach the unaffiliated Jewish community which is Internet savvy. After reading Rushkoff's book, I cannot say I feel closer to God, but I do have a deeper respect for Judaism's responses to man's predicament of being a finite being in an infinite universe. Rushkoff's explanation, for example, of the story of Abraham and Isaac is more historically logical than the traditional explanation and enhances rather than detracts from its religious significance.
This is a potentially important book, which at time reminds me of Luther's attack on Rome. In practice, however, I suspect that the book will have no significant impact because of the reactions of mainstream Judaism: the establishment (including most rabbis) will ignore the book or dismiss it; most members of established congregations will find it irrelevant, since they already have made their peace with organized Judaism; and for the most part those who are disaffected with organized Judaism, but who are intrigued by Rushkoff's reexamination and call for a new Renaissance have neither the interest or energy to do anything about it. Rushkoff's theological defense of Judaism is as good as I've seen from a non-theologian. Rushkoff's sections on Maimonides and Spinoza were superb brief descriptions of their writings and importance in the evolution of Jewish thought. I have always considered the Golden Rules of Hillel and Jesus as identical twins. Rushkoff distinguishes them. I personally think Rushkoff's distinction is too legalistic, but it makes sense in the context of his discussion ofMaimonides negative theology. The biggest hurdle for any religion is the answer to the question of how a just God can permit so much injustice. Rushkoff does not provide a new answer, indeed his explanation is one theodicy's classic explanations, but his brief discussion of the problem of evil toward the end of the book is more satisfying than any I've read because it fits into a coherent theology. I share Rushkoff's views on the current state of politics in Israel, but I think he understates the importance of Israel to 21st century Judaism. Some may conclude that he is indifferent to Israel's survival, but I think that would be unfair and reflect more of attempt to create a negative spin on his book than a carefully reading. Like Rushkoff, I consider Judaism a success no matter what its future in America and I have never been able to wring my hands over the issues of assimilation and intermarriage.
Rating:
Summary: The Most Important Book about Judaism in Many Years
Review: I think Howard Rheingold (Smart Mobs, Virtual Community) said it better than I can. Here's his review of this book: "I read Nothing Sacred reluctantly, from a stance of deep skepticism, and learned to my delight and enlightenment, that this is truly a Jewish approach. Rushkoff uses millennia of Jewish teachings to reveal that God is indeed to be questioned not obeyed, created not worshipped, continually revised, reconsidered, and debated - not graven in stone. I truly believe this book might end up as one of the most important works of Jewish literature, worthy of comparison with Maimonides and Buber. Many will be outraged and even furious at Rushkoff for daring to revise the Jewish tradition of self-questioning. I thank him for helping me feel like a Jew again." So when you read reviews like the fundamentalist, below, or even the orthodox extremists in some of the editorial reviews above, remember that they feel their God is being attacked and can't defend himself. Then they go nuts, and make stuff up. The reviewer from JPost suggests that Rushkoff is promoting a Socialist Presidential candidate - when there' s no mention in this book of anything of the kind. Indeed, this book is worthy of comparison with Spinoza and Maimonides, who were also persecuted by the corrupt Jewish establishment for trying to share with the world that Judaism is actually a universal truth and not a racist sect. Or, at least it was meant to be.
Rating: 
Summary: This book's "truth" is truly relative
Review: I'm glad I borrowed this book from the library instead of purchasing it. It was a most unpleasant read. The book's tone is petulant and without humility. My sense is that the author would like Judaism to change so that he wouldn't be ashamed to be a Jew. Certainly religions change, and Judaism is no exception. The whole point of religion, in my view, is to connect with God. I'd be interested in Mr. Rushkoff's opinions and views about the religion of Judaism if love of God was his foundation. My sense (and this is a guess) is that love of God is not his starting point. This book didn't speak to me at all, as a believer raised Catholic who comes to Judaism with no scars. My knowledge of Judaism is very limited. I've been praying and studying in Reform and Conservative synagogues for about six months. I believe in the sovereignty of God. The Torah and Jewish tradition and prayers are rich with meaning. I understand a very small fraction of it. But the immensity of Torah and prayer and tradition all appeal to me. I don't want Judaism remade and repackaged for the 21st century. I don't want a quick spiritual pick-me-up. (I've tried many quick fixes, and they repair nothing.) I want to come closer to the great Unknowable, the Creator of heaven and earth. Judaism is now a great place to do that.
Rating:
Summary: Mind opening
Review: Most of what I know about Judaism is wrong. I'll admit it. And I'll credit Mr. Rushkoff's book with pushing me in the right direction to relearn it. Most surprising to me throughout this book is that just when something really irked me and I thought Mr. Rushkoff was writing something "bad for the Jews," he'd come back with some epiphany that shows his true reverence and compassion for the religion. Oddly enough, this theology primer's a page-turner, and I'd recommend it to anyone remotely interested.
Rating:
Summary: Does Judaism need to be updated?
Review: One half of America's Jewry are unaffiliated (lapsed or latent). Many temples actively pursue directions to retain or attract members. New denominations like Renewal and Reconstructionism have arisen. Intermarriage seems to be more of a concern these days. American Jews, not only leftists, (if not many Americans) find themselves at odds with Israeli foreign policy. Are these signs of a crisis or schism? Or are they anomalies in the current understanding of the American Jewish experience? Rushkoff takes the radical perspective that these events are a challenge to the current Judaism. This may not be Judaism's crisis but rather its opportunity for profound change. Instead of wooing people back to a more hip temple, we should see those who do not attend as actually being more "Jewish" than they realize. Their distance from the current temple is actually a propensity toward, or propinquity of, great Jewish traditions like abstract monotheism, iconoclasm and social justice. This could be a paradigm shift, as we look at these anomolies as evidence that the current model does not work and that radical change is needed to return to the well documented history of Jewish traditions (again, in abstract monotheism, iconoclasm and social justice). Extremely well documented book, easy to read, and a timely topic from a lucid media expert.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting, but not as radical as you might think
Review: Rushkoff presents a thesis that the main tenets of Judaism are iconoclasm, radical monotheism, and social justice. Using this framework, he then suggests that many have gone astray by their preoccupation with issues such as Jews as a "people" or intermarriage. This work is ambitious and well-written. However, it is not really as radical as the author has packaged it. For instance, the final chapter of his book emphasizes how practicing Jews must become more versed in Torah to revitalize and re-invent rituals. This is common belief in the Reconstructionist movement. He also underscores the critical role of social justice and universalistic themes -- which are hallmarks of Reform Judaism. Actually, I agree with many of his assertions, but find it odd that he doesn't connect these themes into the major movements which currently espouse such ideals...
Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but not as radical as you might think
Review: Rushkoff presents a thesis that the main tenets of Judaism are iconoclasm, radical monotheism, and social justice. Using this framework, he then suggests that many have gone astray by their preoccupation with issues such as Jews as a "people" or intermarriage. This work is ambitious and well-written. However, it is not really as radical as the author has packaged it. For instance, the final chapter of his book emphasizes how practicing Jews must become more versed in Torah to revitalize and re-invent rituals. This is common belief in the Reconstructionist movement. He also underscores the critical role of social justice and universalistic themes -- which are hallmarks of Reform Judaism. Actually, I agree with many of his assertions, but find it odd that he doesn't connect these themes into the major movements which currently espouse such ideals...
Rating:
Summary: It's About Time
Review: Rushkoff tackles a subject that no one likes to talk about, religion, and does it eloquently. After studying Judaism aextensively he came up with the conclusion that it just isn't working. I read this book and was nodding my head on just about every page. Rushkoff de-mystifies Judaism in a way that is non invasive, entertaining and enlightening. If he was the rabbi at my synagogue, maybe I'd show up more often! This is a must-read for everybody, not just those of Jewish descent.
Rating:
Summary: The End of Judaism, but what comes Next?
Review: Rushkoff's skill is to absorb the pertinent information in any given system of social OR academic knowledge, and then find the ways in which this knowledge can either HELP or HINDER individuals. His foundation in writing this book is a desire for human freedom, and his message is that Judaism, a religion based on untrapping God from any alter OR pedestal OR social system, has itself become an entrapping social system. One of my favorite ideas in the book is a suggestion made to him by a rabbi about how to communicate with others about differences in faith; the pertinent question is to ask "WHY do you believe what you believe," instead of the old, sterotype-enforcing "WHAT do you believe?" People get from this book what they put into it, and if you read with an open mind, it has a multitude of gems on every page.
Rating:
Summary: An Important Addition to Jewish Literature and Thought
Review: Scholars who call for a reexamination of a religion or tradition in order to preserve or strengthen it often call for a stricter interpretation of scripture, a stronger commitment to observance of ritual, or perhaps an infusion of spirituality or the mystical. However Douglas Rushkoff, in his evaluation of and suggestions for the future of Judaism, questions its current manifestation in its entirety. He asks if the Judaism that is practiced in modern homes, temples and synagogues, the Judaism that is promoted by modern Jewish organizations, is in fact a viable and authentic Judaism at all. In NOTHING SACRED: The Truth About Judaism, Rushkoff takes the difficult stance that today's Judaism has strayed far from the principle themes and values that are actually the core of the tradition. Rushkoff asserts that, as Jewish communities bemoan the loss of Jews through assimilation and intermarriage, and as the religion is split into factions divided over levels of religious observance, Jews labeled as "lapsed" or "secular" are in reality the ones carrying on the tradition in its purest, healthiest form. Three core values, according to Rushkoff, are at the center of Judaism: iconoclasm, abstract monotheism, and social justice. Through an examination of Jewish history and philosophy, he convincingly demonstrates how these three values are the foundation of Judaism and are most crucial. This rethinking of Jewish history and belief led Rushkoff to conclude that Judaism grew from an Egyptian labor movement that transformed itself over time and through contact with other cultures. Transformation, then, should be welcomed as a vital and positive force, not something negative or threatening. Transformation can refresh and revitalize Judaism. Thus, Rushkoff proposes that the best and perhaps only path to the survival of Judaism, which feels itself to be in crisis in many ways, is a renaissance, where the central values are explored, internalized and appreciated above ritual in its variety of forms. He is not suggesting that Judaism discard all the cultural developments of the last two thousand years --- in fact, Torah is essential to his understanding of the tradition and for its continuation. However, a shift in perspective would allow creativity of thought, expression and self-understanding, and would open up Judaism to the so-called lapsed Jews and potentially introduce non-Jews to the Jewish worldview. Rushkoff therefore suggests what he calls "open-source" Judaism, which would operate similarly to open-source software; one would be free to take the ideas one needs, modify them in order to personalize them, and would then be encouraged to leave his or her own ideas, insights, and interpretations for others to explore. This is not cafeteria-style religion, however. Each person would be responsible for learning as much as possible about the religion and culture; the Jewish tradition of learning would not only continue but also become stronger and more personal. All of Rushkoff's ideas are fascinating, from the emphasis on the core Judaic values, to his understanding of Jewish history, to open-source Judaism. NOTHING SACRED is a thoughtful evaluation of Judaism and, despite its grand concepts, is easy to read. This book will undoubtedly stir controversy, but in Rushkoff's scheme, that is not a bad thing at all. Dynamic debate, the personal versus the institutional, and active exploration are all part of the renaissance he is championing. With implications for Jewish individuals (issues of observance and spirituality), families (intermarriage and assimilation), and communities (communal rituals and the relationship with Israel), NOTHING SACRED is an important addition to Jewish literature and thought. Rushkoff's theories will speak loudly and clearly to Jews disaffected and dissatisfied with the road contemporary Judaism has taken. It will also speak to Jews looking to engage more fully and deeply with their tradition. It should speak to all readers, Jews and non-Jews alike, as a call for conscious living, social justice, and cultural openness and acceptance. --- Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman
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