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Joseph Telushkin

Author

Renowned Rabbi and Ethicist Illuminating Jewish Wisdom and Ethical Living

About

Gender: Male

Nationality: United States

Languages: English

Travels from: United States

Engagement Types

Topics

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Biography Highlights

Widely Acclaimed Authority on Judaism & Ethics
Award-Winning Author of 'Words That Hurt, Words That Heal'
Named one of Talk Magazine's "50 Best Speakers in the United States"

Biography

Joseph Telushkin, named by Talk magazine as one of the 50 best speakers in the United States, is one of America’s leading ethicists. His book, Words that Hurt, Words that Heal, inspired Senators Joseph Lieberman’s and Connie Mack’s Senate Resolution #151 to establish a National Speak No Evil Day in the United States, a day in which Americans would go for twenty—four hours without saying anything unkind or unfair about, or to, anyone. An invaluable sourcebook of tools for businessmen, Words that Hurt, Words that Heal, contains suggestion after suggestion of how and when to criticize, how to keep a disagreement from turning into a quarrel, and the one technique that will keep you, even when angry, from ever saying something that can destroy a relationship.

A much anticipated new book building on the groundbreaking title, Words That Hurt, Words That Heal: How the Words You Choose Shape Your Destiny, will be out in January!

Joseph Telushkin, hailed by Jewish Week as “America’s rabbi,” is a renaissance figure, whose reputation extends well beyond the Jewish community. His novel, An Eye for An Eye, became the basis for four episodes of David Kelley’s Emmy award—winning TV series, The Practice, and he wrote an episode for the TV series, Touched by An Angel for Kirk Douglas, in which Douglas stars as a man who, after a lifetime of struggle with his faith, returns to God. The renowned historian Paul Johnson labeled Telushkin’s A Code of Jewish Ethics—winner of the 2007 National Jewish Book Award as the Book of the Year — as “the most comprehensive introduction to Jewish ethics to appear for many years.” Telushkin’s work has been the subject of a PBS special entitled, Moral Imagination: A Day by Day Guide to Ethical Living, that aired throughout the United States in 2000.

A penetrating speaker with the timing of a standup comic—Telushkin’s earlier book, was hailed by Larry Gelbart (author of Mash): “I don’t know if Jews are really the chosen people, but Telushkin’s book makes a strong argument that they’re the funniest”—so that his talks challenge even as they entertain. One thing is certain: you will walk out of Telushkin’s speech different than when you walked in.

Videos

Speaking videos

Media, podcast appearances and interviews

Popular Talks

A Conversation with Rabbi Telushkin

In this engaging and enlightening conversation, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin offers a unique perspective on timeless wisdom and its relevance to modern life. With humor, insight, and the ability to make complex concepts accessible, Rabbi Telushkin invites audiences to reflect on their values while exploring the rich traditions that continue to shape our understanding of human behavior and community.

Available: In person, Virtually

The New American Judaism

As one of the most influential voices in contemporary Judaism, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin explores the evolving landscape of Jewish life in America. Drawing from historical insights and modern cultural trends, he offers a compelling analysis of where American Judaism is headed and what it means for both Jews and society at large.

Available: In person, Virtually

Optimism and Positive Thinking

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin brings ancient wisdom and modern psychology together in this uplifting talk on optimism and the power of positive thinking. With a focus on resilience, gratitude, and finding joy in everyday life, Rabbi Telushkin offers practical advice for anyone seeking to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Available: In person, Virtually

Five Things That Can Change Your Life

In this informative talk, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin shares his perspective on how small changes in our daily lives can lead to big transformations. Rabbi Telushkin provides a framework for five things we can all do to improve our relationships, health, and overall well-being starting today.

Available: In person, Virtually

Joseph'S

TESTIMONIALS

We are so very grateful that your participation in our Interfaith Lecture Series helped us to honor the inauguration of the Everett Jewish Life Center in the most auspicious way. Your presence and gifts of intellect, wisdom, and experience were blessed components of this very special week and time in Chautauqua's history!

Chautauqua Institution

I just wanted to let you know how special your presence made our Annual Meeting. All in attendance were inspired by your words of hope. The combination of texts and quotes from Jewish scholars peppered with personal anecdotes made for an evening as entertaining as it was educational.

Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland

He was WONDERFUL! We were receiving calls all day yesterday as to how much they enjoyed hearing Rabbi Telushkin. He mingled with the guests. Even though he autographed his books prior to everyone’s arrival he then offered to personalize them on their way out. His presentation was interactive which I believe this group enjoyed. Thanks again for the recommendation. It worked out very well.

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach

This was the best Frank Lecture yet, and certainly the biggest audience we've had in five years--200 people on an evening with competing events in Tulsa. Joseph did a terrific job--I've heard effusive praise from many of my friends and colleagues--and it was a great pleasure for me to host him. In sum, the event was a complete success in every respect. I don't know how we are going to follow Joseph's act, but it is good problem to have.

Jewish Federation of Tulsa

Rabbi was wonderful. In addition to being one of the 'best' presenters I have ever had the pleasure of hearing at handling Q&A, his lecture was captivating and thought provoking. He is very user-friendly. I think most of us were self-evaluating our own behaviors as a result of his comments. The theatre was nearly full, at least 250 people. Off stage, he was a delight as well. Truly a wise man!

Jewish Federation of Reading

We had such a wonderful weekend with Rabbi Telushkin! Besides being an incredible scholar he is also a kind and compassionate man and our congregation loved him! All events were more than well attended. We exceeded our attendance goals, especially Sunday morning where we expected 100 people for breakfast and got 300. The Rabbi's presentations followed a logical arc through the weekend and were well received. He always left time for Q&A which the audience really enjoyed. And the Rabbi spent a lot of time with people in private conversation, which was very much appreciated.

Adath Israel of Lower Merion

In the short period of time I spent with Rabbi Telushkin I can only say that he is one of the most genuine individuals I have met in my life, he walks as he talks and was extremely gracious with every person he met during his visit. I cannot tell you how honored all of us are to have met him. His speech was by far the best I have heard in my 10 years at the Library ... After speaking with my staff we all agreed that his message would be well received in a wide array of audiences. Young and old regardless of faith can learn a great deal from his words.

Cleveland Public Library

Joseph Telushkin was FANTASTIC! The entire audience loved him. He was funny, informative, and just plain good!

The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston

Yesterday's lecture was a wonderful event in every respect. There was a very large attendance and everyone who spoke to me afterwards, and there were many, raved about Rabbi Telushkin's talk, which was erudite, meaningful, charming and engaging. He is a remarkable speaker and a remarkable individual.

Congregation Beth El

It was an absolutely terrific event, and exceeded our expectations on every level, including 3 times the attendance we anticipated. Many thanks for all your help. I've worked with HWA before, and I must tell you, it's a wonderful experience each time!

Herbert Tarr North Shore Institut

The event was very successful. Rabbi Telushkin was informative, witty and captivating.

Herbert Tarr North Shore Institute

It was an amazing event! People were very happy! We were the only city to have Shabbat Across America combining all Jewish groups/denominations. We had 340 people attend! Rabbi Telushkin was a big draw and people enjoyed him very much. I attended the Teen event; he interacted very well with the teens, they really liked it. The Sunday brunch and Saturday lunch went well also. He spoke beautifully each time. He seemed to enjoy himself as well.

United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien

Rabbi Telushkin was great. Everyone loved him and can't wait to bring him back.

Congregation Shaarey Zedek

Books

A Code of Jewish Ethics: Volume 1: You Shall Be Holy

A Code of Jewish Ethics, Volume 1: You Shall Be Holy is the initial volume of the first major code of Jewish ethics to be written in the English language. It is a monumental work on the vital topic of personal character and integrity by one of the premier Jewish scholars and thinkers of our time. With the stated purpose of restoring ethics to its central role in Judaism, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin offers hundreds of examples from the Torah, the Talmud, rabbinic commentaries, and contemporary stories to illustrate how ethical teachings can affect our daily behavior. The subjects dealt with are ones we all encounter. They include judging other people fairly; knowing when forgiveness is obligatory, optional, or forbidden; balancing humility and self-esteem; avoiding speech that shames others; restraining our impulses of envy, hatred, and revenge; valuing truth but knowing when lying is permitted; understanding why God is the ultimate basis of morality; and appreciating the great benefits of Torah study. Telushkin has arranged the book in the traditional style of Jewish codes, with topical chapters and numbered paragraphs. Statements of law are almost invariably followed by anecdotes illustrating how these principles have been, or can be, practiced in daily life. The book can be read straight through to provide a solid grounding in Jewish values, consulted as a reference when facing ethical dilemmas, or studied in a group. Vast in scope, this volume distills more than three thousand years of Jewish laws and suggestions on how to improve one’s character and become more honest, decent, and just. It is a landmark work of scholarship that is sure to influence the lives of Jews for generations to come, rich with questions to ponder and discuss, but primarily a book to live by.

Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History

In this enlightening biography, Joseph Telushkin offers a captivating portrait of the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a towering figure who saw beyond conventional boundaries to turn his movement, Chabad-Lubavitch, into one of the most dynamic and widespread organizations ever seen in the Jewish world. At once an incisive work of history and a compendium of Rabbi Schneerson’s teachings, Rebbe is the definitive guide to understanding one of the most vital, intriguing figures of the last centuries. From his modest headquarters in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the Rebbe advised some of the world’s greatest leaders and shaped matters of state and society. Statesmen and artists as diverse as Ronald Reagan, Robert F. Kennedy, Yitzchak Rabin, Menachem Begin, Elie Wiesel, and Bob Dylan span the spectrum of those who sought his counsel. Rebbe explores Schneerson’s overarching philosophies against the backdrop of treacherous history, revealing his clandestine operations to rescue and sustain Jews in the Soviet Union, and his critical role in the expansion of the food stamp program throughout the United States. More broadly, it examines how he became in effect an ambassador for Jews globally, and how he came to be viewed by many as not only a spiritual archetype but a savior. Telushkin also delves deep into the more controversial aspects of the Rebbe’s leadership, analyzing his views on modern science and territorial compromise in Israel, and how in the last years of his life, many of his followers believed that he would soon be revealed as the Messiah, a source of contention until this day.

Words That Hurt, Words That Heal, Revised Edition: How the Words You Choose Shape Your Destiny

From the New York Times bestselling author of Rebbe comes this newly revised edition of Words That Hurt, Words That Heal—an invaluable guide in how choosing the right words can enrich our relationships and give us insight to improve every facet of our lives. “I don’t know anyone whose life would not be blessed by this book.”—Rabbi Harold S. Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People and Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life Joseph Telushkin is renowned for his warmth, his erudition, and his richly anecdotal insights, and in Words That Hurt, Words That Heal he focuses these gifts on the words we use in public and in private, revealing their tremendous power to shape relationships. With wit and wide-ranging intelligence, Rabbi Telushkin explains the harm in spreading gossip, rumors, or others’ secrets, and how unfair anger, excessive criticism, or lying undermines true communication. By sensitizing us to subtleties of speech we may never have considered before, he shows us how to turn every exchange into an opportunity. In this fully revised edition, Joseph Telushkin brings this classic, which has sold more than 65,000 copies lifetime, into the modern age. Remarkable for its clarity and practicality, Words That Hurt, Words That Heal illuminates the powerful effects we create by what we say and how we say it.

Book of Jewish Values: A Day-by-Day Guide to Ethical Living

In The Book of Jewish Values, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin has combed the Bible, the Talmud, and the whole spectrum of Judaism’s sacred writings to give us a manual on how to lead a decent, kind, and honest life in a morally complicated world. Telushkin speaks to the major ethical issues of our time, issues that have, of course, been around since the beginning. He offers one or two pages a day of pithy, wise, and easily accessible teachings designed to be put into immediate practice. The range of the book is as broad as life itself: * The first trait to seek in a spouse (Day 17) * When, if ever, lying is permitted (Days 71-73) * Why acting cheerfully is a requirement, not a choice (Day 39) * What children don’t owe their parents (Day 128) * Whether Jews should donate their organs (Day 290) * An effective but expensive technique for curbing your anger (Day 156) * How to raise truthful children (Day 298) * What purchases are always forbidden (Day 3) In addition, Telushkin raises issues with ethical implications that may surprise you, such as the need to tip those whom you don’t see (Day 109), the right thing to do when you hear an ambulance siren (Day 1), and why wasting time is a sin (Day 15). Whether he is telling us what Jewish tradition has to say about insider trading or about the relationship between employers and employees, he provides fresh inspiration and clear guidance for every day of our lives.

Biblical Literacy: The Most Important People, Events, and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible

In the tradition of Stephen Prothero’s Religious Literacy and Ken Davis’s Don’t Know Much About the Bible, Biblical Literacy is a one-stop course on the Bible that offers readers—whether religious or not—every Bible story and passage they need to know. Professor Tim Beal has selected the Bible stories that have shaped history and our world and provides the key information we need to understand their significance and meaning. Whether atheist or believer, readers will benefit from this entry-level course into the heart of the most influential book ever written.

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