Shmuel Sackett, a longtime activist and lecturer, is chairman of Zehut International and co-founder, along with Moshe Feiglin, of Zo Artzeinu, Manhigut Yehudit, and Zehut.
What books are currently on your nightstand?
I know this sounds crazy, but I don’t have a nightstand. I work very hard during the day and when it’s time to sleep, I sleep – not read.
What’s the best book on Judaism you’ve ever read?
Listen World, Listen Jew by Rabbi Meir Kahane.
What kind of reader were you as a child? Your favorite books and authors?
I was an avid reader and my favorite books were anything that had to do with sports. In my college days I “grew up” and started reading and enjoying Robert Ludlum books.
If you had to name one book that made you who you are today, what would it be?
Listen World, Listen Jew and Why Be Jewish – both by Rabbi Meir Kahane. They changed my life.
As an oleh, what books would you recommend on living in Israel?
Just one book is needed: Eim HaBanim Semeicha by Rabbi Yissachar Shlomo Teichtel. It reminds you why you came here in the first place and everything falls in line after that.
If somebody wanted to better understand the philosophy that animates you and Moshe Feiglin, what should he read?
Any book on Jewish activism. We are not guys who sit on the sidelines and complain. Reading about people who changed the Jewish world is what motivates us.
I will tell you something else. I am a big fan of positive mental attitude books. Guys like Tony Robbins get me pumped, and I use that energy for my activism. Money does not interest me, but saving Jewish lives does, and Tony Robbins get me going to do whatever I need to do. I have read almost every book he’s written.
Hidden gems: Which Jewish book or author should be widely known but isn’t?
Rabbi Meir Kahane. His books challenge you, question who you really are, and provide the answers you are looking for. They should be read by every Jew – religious and secular.
What books might people be surprised to find on your bookshelves?
These days, there aren’t many “books” but there are lots of sefarim. I don’t have the patience for nonsense any more, but I love learning. Sefarim on Chassidut excite me the most these days since I feel we need to touch the soul more than the mind.
What book hasn’t been written that you’d like to read?
We have all heard of Shmuel Aleph and Shmuel Bet. Well, my name is Shmuel Gedalia and I always say that it is my job to write Shmuel Gimmel. That would be quite an interesting book… I hope!
What books are you embarrassed not to have read yet?
Tehillim. I don’t think I ever went through the entire book and that’s not good.
Years ago, many rabbanim thought reading novels was a waste of time. Do you read novels? Or just non-fiction?
I used to read novels, but I have no time any more for that. Now that my Hebrew is so much better, I can learn better, and every moment I have I use to learn Netivot Shalom or sefarim from the Tzaddik of Yavniel.
Disappointing, overrated, just not good: What book did you feel you were supposed to like, but didn’t? Do you remember the last book you put down without finishing?
I started reading Rav Shalom Arush’s book, The Garden of Emunah, but never finished it. So many people loved it and said it changed their lives for the better, but it wasn’t for me. I’m not sure why since I am a strong believer in strengthening one’s emunah. It just didn’t “fit right.”
If you could recommend one book to Jewish leaders, what would it be?
Uncomfortable Questions for Comfortable Jews by Rabbi Meir Kahane.
What book do you plan on reading next?
A good friend just told me he bought me a present: the new six-volume series by the Tzaddik of Yavniel on Pirkei Avot. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!