Minyan: Ten Principles for Living a Life of Integrity

by Rami M. Shapiro

In Minyan, Rabbi Shapiro offers a Judaism immediate and vital to living in the world with both integrity and enjoyment. 

According to rabbinic law, "Minyan" is a quorum of ten Jews—the number required for a service of any kind. Rabbi Shapiro infuses this concept with new meaning as he describes a practical tenfold path, based on the eighteenth-century Hasidic tradition of the Baal Shem Tov and his followers, a path accessible not only to Jews but also to all spiritual seekers.

The ten practices of Minyan are meditation, repetition of a sacred phrase, inspirational reading, attention to the present moment, generosity, kindness performed with no thought of reward, dreamwork, ethical consumption, self-perfection, and celebration of the Sabbath. Here is a Jewish spiritual primer that teaches how to apply the wisdom of the ancient Jewish sages to our lives today.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Judaica, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 19, 1997

About the author

Rami Shapiro is one of the most innovative rabbis of the last thirty years. An award-winning author of two dozen books on religion and spirituality, he received rabbinical ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and holds a PhD from Union Graduate School. A congregational rabbi for twenty years, for the last fifteen he has been writing, leading retreats, co-directing One River Wisdom School, blogging at rabbirami.com, and writing a regular column for Spirituality and Health magazine called "Roadside Assistance for the Spiritual Traveler."

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great teachings I am excited to add to my spiritual life. It's always encouraging to be supported in meditation and mindfulness. Yotzi u'Bori Ata. Looking for God? There are some good tips here! Beware!

[Katie Cutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minyan is a deeply insightful exploration of Judaism and its evolving role in the modern world. Rabbi Shapiro’s channeled vision of True Faith resonates deeply, reminding us not to mistake the “ism” for the “Is”—a powerful reflection on how to live authentically within the unfolding Reality of Now.

I treasure the way Rabbi Shapiro speaks to the essence of faith, encouraging us to learn from every tradition while remaining rooted in our own. His words speak to the heart of what it means to be a true person of faith: someone who listens, learns, and unites in our shared unknowing, all while striving to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God and each other.

This book is not just a reflection on Judaism, but a call to deepen our connection to the divine and to each other in a world that often feels fragmented. Deep gratitude for this profound and uplifting work.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What lies beyond the religiosity of Judaism? Gems of ancient wisdom for all to learn from! Minyan breaks down the basics and welcomes you to experience the "ten principles for living a life of integrity" for yourself. An excellent guide for those who seek spiritual exploration.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not everything in this grabbed me, but I enjoyed his re-written versions of selected psalms so much that I read them several times.

[Bryn]

This was really interesting & I am glad that I checked it out! But it was less about 'principles for living a life of integrity' (which I was understanding as ethical guidelines for everyday life rooted in Judaism) and more about explaining & detailing Shapiro's particular path of techniques for a Jewish spiritual pracise. Not exactly what I was looking for, so after reading all the introductory materials I decided not to dive into the details. [June 2021]

[Dara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Useful ideas about spirituality to ponder; not always crazy about his framing of those ideas.

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really clear helpful instructional in Jewish practices of living right. Very helpful-will revisit again and again.

[Susan Friendson]

Much of the text here is review for me, but I still found it an interesting read.

[Sabena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I re-read it periodically to integrate Rami Shapiro's spiritual exercises into my daily life. Rabbi Shapiro is a wonderful writer and teacher and this book is a useful, practical manual.