"Life is business, and business is life.
Learn one, and you will have also learned the other."

In the few years since the first edition of Thou Shall Prosper was published, much has changed from both an economic and financial standpoint. But the ups and downs we've experienced have helped prove Rabbi Daniel Lapin's point that the more things change, the more we need to depend upon things that never do.

There's no better source for both practical and spiritual financial wisdom than the time-tested knowledge found in the ancient Jewish faith and culture. Now, with the Second Edition of Thou Shall Prosper, Rabbi Lapin returns to provide a clear picture of how following an unwavering economic and philosophic vision of business and money—based on the established principles of Jewish tradition—can increase your potential for creating wealth.

While unprecedented events have changed the world we live in, the ten fundamental "commandments" outlined throughout these pages, which relate to both business and money, are as relevant as ever. By blending contemporary business stories and his own business experiences with the wisdom of the Torah and Talmudic prescriptions, Rabbi Lapin skillfully explains the essence of each commandment—which include Believe in the Dignity and Morality of Business, Do Not Pursue Perfection, and Know Your Money—and shows you how to use them to prosper financially.

Along the way, Rabbi Lapin also highlights new examples that will help you excel during difficult economic times and addresses important concepts such as "being in business for yourself"; avoiding the trappings of a "wage slave"; changing withthe times; learning to become a leader; and much more. So that you may apply each principle to your life, Rabbi Lapin suggests engaging and accessible action steps to start you immediately on the path to prosperity.

With the Second Edition of Thou Shall Prosper as your guide, you'll quickly discover the powerful wealth-producing principles that lie at the root of Jewish success—and learn how to apply them to your own endeavors. No matter what your faith or background, the insights found here will put you in a better position not only to maximize your potential, but also help those around you.

Combining pop psychology, snippets of Jewish lore, homespun homilies and quotations from a daunting variety of sources, Lapin offers a manual on how to make money by succeeding in business. Lapin, a super-conservative Orthodox rabbi and talk show host, insists that everyone is in business "unless you are a Supreme Court judge [sic] or a tenured university professor." (Excluding professors fits with Lapin's devaluation of them, since he believes that higher education doesn't prepare for "real life.") The material is organized into 10 chapters of advice, beginning with the notion that "business is moral, noble and worthy," and ending with the admonition not to retire. Throughout, Lapin urges behavior that will produce more business and, thus, more money. For example, he unabashedly recommends attending synagogue or church services in order to make business contacts. Similarly, he encourages giving charity to an organization that has members who "are in the best position to advance your business objectives." Lapin justifies these dubious actions by interpreting the fifth commandment ("Honor thy father and thy mother") as a mandate to form relationships for business purposes. His struggle to ground his financial advice in Jewish tradition is abandoned as he expounds an anti-environmentalist stance. He digresses still further from both Judaism and wealth-building when he gives tips for public speaking based on what his father taught him (talking without a manuscript or notes and not grasping the rostrum). Lapin's book may appeal to patient readers who share his conservative political and economic views. (Oct. 11) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

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