The Kissing Rabbi

“Andrew Becker writes with humor and considerable charm. The Kissing Rabbi is a wholly original novel that will leave readers wanting more from Becker. Five stars.”
—Gregg Olsen, New York Times bestselling author

“So you want to hear the real story of Rabbi Mishegas Dreidel? The whole schmeer is a story as old as Jerusalem and as new as today’s politics. The young rabbi, his wife, and nine kids show up in Destiny, Oregon filled with missionary zeal. He opens a synagogue in their basement, builds his flock, earns its trust,

borrows a million dollars from a friendly banker for a towering house of worship, and off he goes to repair the world. Part of that mission includes unwanted advances with women of the temple, questionable synagogue financial dealings kept secret, and a steadfast refusal to admit anything done wrong. This story is told with just the right touch of satire, humor, insight, and the hope it won’t happen again.”
—Bob Hill, Award-winning Louisville Courier-Journal columnist and author

“With a wry sense of humor and colorful cast of characters (in fact, you probably know people like them), Becker dissects the lamentable fall from grace of a well-intended shepherd turned wolf. A witty and timely parable that keeps you wondering how some people never seem to learn from their mistakes. Entertaining and reflective.”
—Larry Fowler, Award winning author

“The Kissing Rabbi humorously shines a light on a dark and heavy subject—narcissistic abuse by a religious authority figure. This story is a real page-turner and very relatable—highly recommended!”
—Yitz Epstein, Life coach and host, Narcissism Recovery Podcast

“You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy Andrew Becker’s novel, The Kissing Rabbi! Meet Rabbi Mishegas (Mishy) Dreidel who establishes a Jewish community in the Christian Destiny County area while building a magnificent synagogue from a simple set-up in his basement, but even the holy can fall from grace. You won’t be able to stop reading because you will want to know what’s going to happen to the rabbi, his wife, and nine kids in a world of Jewish courts, close-knit families, and loyal supporters. Go inside the secret and hidden world of ultra-orthodox Judaism to see how power corrupts and how sexual harassment can destroy a community.”
—Patty Lesser, Author of Sister Innocent and several novels