“Remarkably moving and instructive story of life, business, growth, spirituality and family.” – Mario Lopez, host of the entertainment news magazine shows Extra and Access Hollywood
“Katsof brings to this compelling memoir his rich experience as a rabbi, his broad knowledge of the business and investment banking world, and his profound struggle to keep a balance between work, family and religion. He draws the reader into his stories with the art of a master story-teller.” Gregory D. Brenneman, chairman of CCMP Capital; former president and CEO of Continental Airlines
A young rabbi working as a fundraiser for Jewish outreach decides that he’d rather be a rich man giving away money instead of asking for it. He has seen up close how his wealthy donors got into the 1 percent, and he thinks he is smart enough to duplicate their moves. And he is sure God is on his side. So, he goes for it.
Along the way, he closes his eyes to the moral contradictions of entering into a business deal with the producer of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre or rubbing elbows with Russian oligarchs. He enthusiastically enters deal after deal, counting the dollar signs in his head and dreaming of all that money will buy. But as each deal fails for one reason or another, and as his debts mount, he begins to understand why they say, “If it was so easy, everyone would be rich.” What is God trying to tell him?
He resolves to pray harder and try harder, but that only produces more stress and more anxiety. He realizes that he has become emotionally estranged from his ever-loyal wife who is by then contemplating divorce. He knows something must give and that he has a choice to make – change course, or lose his soul and everything he holds dear.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Irwin Katsof is an investor/entrepreneur who is the president of Trademissions.org. Prior to becoming a businessman, Irwin was a rabbi and fundraiser for the Jewish outreach
organization, Aish HaTorah. In addition to his memoir, he has written three books, including Powerful Prayers, co-authored with Larry King. He splits his time between New York, and Jerusalem, Israel.
Title: LIVING DANGEROUSLY: My Struggle to Get Rich Without Losing My Soul Publisher: Beverly House Press Publication date: June 15, 2025 Pages: 452 ISBN: 978-1957466156