About the Book
What happens when a young rabbi dares to dream of the 1%-but discovers the price of admission might be his very soul?
At 35, Rabbi Irwin Katsof had everything figured out. Or so he thought. Driven by an insatiable hunger for financial success and tired of watching from the sidelines as others built empires, he made a dangerous decision: to infiltrate the world of ultra-high-net-worth donors, global diplomats, and power brokers who shape our world behind closed doors.
What began as an ambitious quest to master the art of wealth-building quickly spiraled into something more treacherous. Katsof entered the opaque world of high-stakes diplomacy and elite philanthropy, learning the unwritten rules of influence and money from billionaires and power players. The knowledge expanded his world-and nearly cost him everything.
Soon, the very ambition that propelled him forward began tearing his life apart. Crushing debt mounted. His marriage strained under the weight of sleepless nights and endless schemes. The insomnia that plagued him wasn't just from financial stress; it was his conscience warring with his desires. Every victory in the material world felt like a defeat of the spirit.
Then came the crossroads that would define everything: a moment when the path to unimaginable wealth lay before him, requiring only that he abandon the values that had shaped his entire identity. Sell out-or surrender to a purpose he'd nearly lost touch with.
Living Dangerously is more than a memoir of financial ambition gone wrong-it's a raw, unflinching examination of what it truly costs to chase the American Dream when you're willing to risk everything. This is the story of a man who dared to live on the edge between faith and ambition, only to discover that the most dangerous territory of all lies within the human heart.
In this gripping narrative, you'll discover:
Behind-the-scenes glimpses into global diplomacy and the hidden world of ultra-wealth
Hard-won lessons on maintaining integrity when everything you've worked for hangs in the balance
The ancient wisdom of Emuna (divine faith) applied to modern struggles with purpose and success
Hard-won insight into how to pursue success with your soul intact
Proof that sometimes the greatest risk is not taking one-it's forgetting who you are in the process
For anyone standing at their own crossroads between ambition and authenticity, between financial dreams and spiritual truth, Living Dangerously offers both a cautionary tale and a roadmap to redemption. This is what happens when faith collides with the relentless pursuit of more-and what emerges when a man finally learns that the most valuable currency isn't money.
It's integrity.
Ready to discover what it truly means to live dangerously with purpose? Your transformation begins with turning the first page.
Product Details
Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches
Length: 452 pages
Format: available in Paperback, Kindle, and Audiobook formats
Age Rating: Recommended for readers 16+ due to mature themes involving career, finances, and moral dilemmas.
Review :
"Moving and instructive... a story of growth, spirituality, and family." Mario Lopez, Host, Extra and Access Hollywood
"Transparently and vulnerably Rabbi Katsof catalogues his struggles with a damaging financial obsession. Whether Jewish or Christian, we can benefit from this portrait of the pursuit of being God-oriented in the face of our modern materialistic society." John Ashcroft, former US Attorney General
"This book expresses Irwin's search for happiness and fulfillment. It has lessons we can all learn from." Ken Goldman, former CFO of Yahoo.com
"Irwin demonstrates that riches mean little without family and giving back." Bob Diener, Founder, Hotels.com
"A heartfelt memoir offering profound lessons for reconciling work with values." David M. Schizer, Dean Emeritus, Columbia Law School
"Rabbi Katsof hits a home run... full of great business insights and wisdom for living." Howard Jonas, Founder, IDT Corp.
"A compelling memoir... a master storyteller's art." Gregory D. Brenneman, Chairman, CCMP Capital; former CEO, Continental Airlines
"Touching and powerful... this book reminds us that we can always return to our true self." Mark Minevich, UN Advisor and President, Going Global Ventures
"A deeply personal account of struggles and success without losing your soul." Richard Steffens, Former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Department of Commerce
"A gem of a book... full of wisdom and practical guidance for a meaningful life." Bill Owens, 40th Governor of Colorado
"Every chapter contains wisdom for relationships, business, and life." Doron Cohen, Chairman, Dun & Bradstreet Israel
"Remarkable compassion, the importance of charity, and balancing work, family, and religion." Tom Tradup, Vice-President, Salem Radio Network
"A book of life lessons... touching, captivating, and deeply human." Ayelet Torem, CEO, APMakers Innovative Capital
"An uplifting read for anyone striving to balance life's competing demands." Mark Schulman, Producer, 3 Arts Entertainment
"Honest, vulnerable, and exactly what the world needs now." Dr. David Berceli, Founder, Trauma Recovery Services
"Insightful and essential wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs and executives alike." Michael Serruya, Managing Director, Serruya Private Equity
"'Less is More'-a key to success that makes everything possible." Dr. Peter Kash, Author, Make Your Own Luck
"An honest, fast-reading memoir that transcends Wall Street with unforgettable lessons." Joe Reeder, 14th Undersecretary, US Army
"A brilliant, must-read guide to leading a fulfilling life." Morty Davis, Chairman, D.H. Blair Investment Banking Corp.
"Insightful, provocative, and essential reading for balancing work and soul." Yitz Applbaum, Founding Partner, MizMaa Ventures
"Irwin's insights on life and values are tremendously valuable." Eric R. L. Fleiss, CEO, Regent Properties
"A powerful and honest account of success, struggle, and hope." Reverend Samuel Rodriguez Jr., President, NHCLC
"When I need wisdom, I go to Irwin Katsof... he fills up my soul." Mark Schiff, Comedian and Author, Why Not?
"This memoir reads like a thriller... full of wisdom and inspiration." Armando Lucas Correa, Author, The German Girl
