This story is relevant to mainstream society, but from the perspective of a not so mainstream part of America. If you are curious about the life of a Rabbi, or interested in Judaism at all, this book is a great resource. You can learn about Jewish customs and about specific rules and culture of rabbinical life, and maybe even learn some Yiddish/Hebrew. In terms of the story, the ending leaves one wanting just a bit more. It feels a bit rushed in comparison to the rest of the story, and not really a complete ending for all of the characters.

The author wrote me to urge me to post. I wanted to like this book. The story is engaging enough. I have no problem with satire but some Of what is presented here as satire is offensive to segments if the Jewish community. It’s also, as I discovered, troubling that a true story has been exploited,for entertainment purposes.

I wanted to like this. I can’t.

Rabbi Mishy quite the character a Rabbi setting up a religious community with a big problem he’s a narcissist.This book had me laughing out loud shaking my head at all the problems he gets into,Really enjoyed this book will be recommending.#netgalley #The kissing rabbi.

Ahhh, the price of fame and admiration. Rabbi Mishy, what to do with you?! This book was so good - parts had me laughing out loud, and more parts had me shaking my head in frustration. Like a few religious leaders, Rabbi Mishy found himself wrapped up in the rise to fame in the Jewish community of Destiny County, and he quickly spoiled his own reputation with one allegation after another. Really enjoyed this book. The author has a hilarious delivery - it really reads like a handed-down oral family story. Definitely recommend!

Thank you Netgally for this ARC for an exchange of an honest review.

I thought it was very interesting.

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The Kissing Rabbi: Lust, Betrayal, and a Community Turned Inside Out by Andy Becker tells of a charismatic Orthodox rabbi in Oregon, who’s schmoozing quickly becomes something more.

Rabbi Mishegas Driedel established a Jewish community in Oregon where one did not exit. Using his charm, enthusiasm, and wits the rabbinical knowledge.

After lots of hard work, the rabbi’s fledgling community becomes a robust Jewish center. However, the rabbi, under the guise of his own incompetency, is starting to sexual harass some of the women of his temple.

Reading The Kissing Rabbi: Lust, Betrayal, and a Community Turned Inside Out by Andy Becker I thought it is obviously a true story. This book, however, is a novel which is, sadly, based on true events in the Pacific Northwest.

The author tells the story with biting humor, since all great Jewish stories are. Above all, sometimes the questions are more important than the answers; much like it is in the Jewish religion.

Additionally, in Dreidel’s case, the inner monologue of trying to justify his unethical behavior is fascinating. Unfortunately, I suspect that this inner dialogue is not far off from the truth for those in authority or who consider themselves morally superior.

I enjoyed the narrative as well as the Yiddish words sprinkled throughout the book. The story is simple and clear, even if you are not familiar with the intricacies of the Jewish religion.

This book is timed just right, with Andrew Cuomo’s shenanigans getting the spotlight. The book illustrates how men in a position of power, can groom indiscretions and make women feel helpless.

Worse than Cuomo, the rabbi doesn’t only have a leadership role, but also moral authority. Particularly, a man in that position can also twist their religion to justify such actions.
Tor those of us who read the texts, however, many times not much of a “twist” is needed.

The author doesn’t just follow the rabbi and his victims, but the community as well. Who will abandon the rabbi, and who will fight for him? How is the organization structured financially? What will the board do? What strings can the rabbi pull?
And other questions which make this story about a sexual predator deeper and more involved.

There are no graphic sex scenes in the story. While the rabbi is grooming victims and goes beyond proprietary, the sex act itself is not involved. This point was important to mention in a book about such subject. Mr. Becker, however, does manage to get his point across.