Reviews
“Sam Glaser's The Joy of Judaism is a gift to the Jewish People. He is singularly qualified to act as an ambassador for Torah to all movements of Judaism simply because he has been doing so with astonishing success for the past few decades. He has become one of the most prolific Jewish composers and frequently booked performers and speakers in the Jewish world. This encyclopedic guide to spiritual living is entertaining and scholarly, reflecting his unparalleled adventures interfacing with all aspects of our diverse flock. I will be recommending it to students and friends, Jews and gentiles, seekers and skeptics alike.”
- Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo, Dean and Founder of David Cardozo Academy
“In The Joy of Judaism Sam Glaser shares his passion for Jewish life and learning with all of us. It is a book full of light, uplift, learning and love. Sam's contagious spirit makes Judaism come alive.”
- Rabbi Naomi Levy, Author of To Begin Again and Einstein and the Rabbi
“The Joy of Judaism is the remarkable result of Sam’s twenty-five years of globetrotting to spiritual communities of all shapes and sizes. Sam lives his Torah and speaks from the heart. His stories entertain with wisdom and humor and serve to clarify the potential for energized spiritual living and 24/7 mindfulness.”
– Rabbi David Aaron, Author of Living a Joyous Life and The God Powered Life
“Sam Glaser is a very talented guy. I have spent many a Shabbat in his company and enjoy all his albums—he embodies the joyful Judaism that he teaches. This book brings life to to a world thirsty for spirituality.”
- Kirk Douglas
“It’s about time Sam Glaser wrote this book. Tens of thousands who have enjoyed his songs and spirit over the years have awaited a publication like this. I read it and wept with joy. I had trouble putting it down and felt blessed by its message; its easy reading, engaging style gripped me from the get go. It is one of the best introductions to the world of Judaism in print. I wish every young Jew (and non Jew, in fact) would read it. I promise—you’ll thank me.”
- Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, Founder and President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
“Everyone wants more joy in life, and anyone who knows Sam Glaser knows that his joyousness is deep, real, and rooted in his Judaism. This beautifully written book is nothing less than his buoyant personality distilled into words. Treat yourself to The Joy of Judaism and feast on the ways that Judaism can set your soul dancing.”
- Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, Dean of Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, American Jewish University
“I rarely get on an airplane without Sam Glaser’s gorgeous music, his Torah, playing in my ears, connecting me, reminding me, bringing me peace. I rely on it. Sam and I have been sharing this road for decades, woven together in friendship by our love for Judaism and music. He is a true model of K’lal Yisrael. His lessons on the Joy of Judaism inspire students and teachers and build bridges between communities. Just like his deeply connected music, this collection of stories will elevate your Jewish experience no matter where you are on your journey.”
- Julie Silver, Celebrated performer of contemporary Jewish music
“The same joy that Sam’s music brings to listeners, his book brings to readers. The Joy of Judaism is a loving celebration of our tradition.”
– Rabbi David Wolpe, Author and rabbi of Sinai Temple, Los Angeles
“Sam Glaser is the Energizer Bunny of the Jewish world. He seems to be everywhere, joyfully celebrating Jewish identity and connecting his audiences with Jewish tradition. Sam’s prolific recordings, thought-provoking workshops and hectic travel schedule are a testament to his love for the Jewish people. We are so excited to share The Joy of Judaism with our community.”
– Rabbi Daniel Freelander, President, World Union for Progressive Judaism
“The Joy of Judaism is an overview of the opportunities for supercharged spiritual living. The ever upbeat Sam Glaser is a wonderful guide for this journey. Spiritual seekers will gain significant insight from the essence of Judaism that he vividly shares on each page.”
– Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, Author of Judaism for Everyone, host TLC’s Shalom in the Home
“Sam Glaser is my teacher, my guide, my backbone, my inspiration and guiding light. I owe much of who I am today to my brother and best friend, Sam. He is a rare breed: vastly creative and industrious, a musician’s musician, an artful wordsmith who has condensed decades of his Torah experience into this manifesto. The Joy of Judaism is yet another Sam Glaser adventure into the world of the spirit, one that is not to be missed.”
– Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser, Senior Lecturer, Aish HaTorah, Founder of The Possible You seminar
“Sam Glaser brings passion and joy to every endeavor. The Joy of Judaism is a fount of inspiration in which he describes Jewish tradition as the source of that joy—in his life, and potentially in yours.”
– Michael Medved, Nationally syndicated radio host and author of The American Miracle
“Chabad Houses worldwide can attest to Sam Glaser’s enthusiasm for Yiddishkeit and love for fellow Jews. His songs are beloved, his ability to lead davening is sublime and his concerts are engaging for all ages and backgrounds. Now with the release of The Joy of Judaism, Sam shares his own journey in order to encourage students and scholars alike to deepen connections with Hashem. This book is thought provoking, well researched and offers jewels on every page.”
– Rabbi Tzvi Freeman Senior editor of Chabad.org, author of Bringing Heaven Down to Earth
“I have watched Sam blossom over the course of our thirty-year friendship. He has become a leader in the L.A. Jewish community and a shining light in the greater worldwide community. He is one of the busiest performers and producers of Jewish music and yet found the time to author this encyclopedic guide, The Joy of Judaism, a detailed yet utterly readable overview of enthusiastic Jewish living. This text will be a cherished part of any Jewish library and will have a profound influence on anyone who has the merit to read it.”
– Richard Horowitz, President Aish HaTorah International
“Sam is the most dynamic and positive influence on the Jewish scene today. His ability to show people the spirit and hip-ness of Judaism makes him the best candidate to bring Jews back to their roots, and The Joy of Judaism adds immeasurably to his arsenal.”
– Rabbi Ben Zion Kravitz, Founder of Jews for Judaism Crisis Intervention Center
“All the joy, exuberance and love of Sam Glaser’s music fill the pages of this marvelous book. This is much more than a guide to living a Jewish life—Sam offers us a heartfelt celebration and a soulful interpretation of Judaism’s genius. Each page invites us to taste the ineffable sweetness of a life lived in God’s presence. Sam’s The Joy of Judaism is a gift to us all.”
–Rabbi Ed Feinstein, Senior Rabbi, Valley Beth Shalom, Encino, CA
“Sam Glaser is the most prolific and consistently excellent composer of Jewish music alive. I have worked with him on recordings and in concert around the US for over 25 years. His songs are some of the most inspiring I’ve heard, encouraging Jews at all levels of awareness to embrace their heritage. I have a respect for Sam’s feel for harmony that I reserve for the hippest composers like Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder. Most don’t realize Sam wakes up in the middle of the night and downloads the full arrangement of new songs from his dreams. He then brings the best players in L.A. to his studio to capture this vision. In the hundreds of sessions I have done with Sam, he has drawn out some of the best work of my career. He has a staggering work ethic—how many artists alive can say they have composed, produced and engineered the dozens of albums they’ve released? What a gift that his insights are in print for the world to enjoy.”
– Mat Gurman, Guitarist with The Beach Boys, The Backstreet Boys and k.d. lang
“Sam Glaser is a Jewish national treasure and his writings and videos are highly valued at Aish. com. I have all his recordings—his incredible music makes me get up and dance! We are so excited to learn from The Joy of Judaism.”
– Rabbi Shraga Simmons, Founder of Aish.com and HonestReporting.com
“To say Sam is a kind and generous person is an understatement. Sam loves his Jewish brethren, but his humanity is truly revealed by his work with all humankind. Sam’s music is a candid expression of his love for God. It has already left an eternal mark on this world. Now, this incredible book will be an invaluable resource for all truth-seeking individuals. Sam is a hero among Noahides: he created the first ever joint Noahide/Jewish unity CD for our global community. He composed and recorded the “Nations of the World” song specifically for our cause. His performance at our World Conference in Dallas had our members and rabbinic faculty dancing in the aisles. Sam is a blessed messenger of joy and this book is a blessing for all.”
– Raymond L Pettersen III, Founder and President, Noahide Nations
“The story is told about the Chofetz Chaim, then an unknown, when seeking approbations for his book on the laws of speaking negatively about others. He was at first refused by the great rabbis since they wanted to confirm that the subject was offered by one who personified the sanctity inherent in observance of these fundamental laws. They sent people to engage the Chofetz Chaim to confirm he embodied that which he wrote. These people returned with glowing reports of his holy personality, and the Rabbis wrote glowing approbations. The Joy of Judaism is offered by someone who embodies all the wisdom and joy that is so expressively articulated in every paragraph. Reb Sam, as I call him, rejoices when studying and sharing Torah. He then shares that joy in his beautiful music. Reb Sam doesn’t sing to make prayer a better experience. His soul reverberates with the joy of prayer, and expresses itself in song. It is no exaggeration to say that when Reb Sam sings Hallel, you can hear the author of Psalms singing along with him.”
– Rabbi Simcha Weinberg, founder of The Foundation Stone virtual beit midrash
