Be a Mensch Compiled by Moshe Kaplan MD. Gefen Publishing House, 2008. 110 pages.

In his book Be a Mensch Moshe Kaplan offers answers to the questions What is good character and why should I care? In the past these ideals were guided by religion and spirituality. What Kaplan has done is taken these ideals one step further by compiling a book with articles by people that are not only driven by their religious pursuits but are also secularly educated. Their articles explore good character from many different perspectives psychological, economic, philosophical, to name a few. For people looking for guidance in their everyday lives “Be a Mensch” offers an approach to that desire both intellectually and spiritually.

Some of the highlights include articles by:

Rabbi Avraham J. Twerski MD: is an internationally known Psychiatrist who served as the clinical director of the Department of Psychiatry at Saint Francis Hospital for twenty years. He is also the founder of the Gateway Rehabilitation Center, a non-profit drug and alcohol treatment center in western Pennsylvania. His chapter “A Truly Holistic Approach” deals with man rising above his base instincts to become something greater.

Howard Jonas: The founder and CEO of IDT a billion dollar alternate communications carrier. He writes “But Will Good Character Pay my Bills?” This chapter is an in depth look at his years of experience in the business world, and focuses on what Jonas says is the most important character trait to any person looking to inspire the people around him. Humility.

Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb PHD: A former professor of Mathematical logic at Johns Hopkis University, and senior lecturer of Jewish Philosophy at Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem. “The Song of the Soul” is a philosophical look at character and emotions. Rabbi Gottlieb offers several colorful anecdotes to help readers understand his unique perspective.

Be a Mensch is a light and enjoyable read that gives real character building advice from noted people immersed in both the spiritual and secular worlds.

About the Author: Moshe Kaplan MD, cofounded the Wellness Medical Clinics which offer practical application of wellness concepts. He also reached the rank of Major in the United States Armed Forces, and received the Igor Sikorsky helicopter Rescue Award for valor in saving seamen’s lives. Dr. Kaplan is currently the medical director for Magen David Edom in Jerusalem where he lives.

This book is available at:
Gur Arieh Bookstore, Yoel Solomon St 8, Jerusalem
Tel: 02-625-7486. Fax: 02-625-4265

Books can be ordered from eLuna.co, for delivery in Israel only.