THE PSYCHIC AND THE RABBI: A Dialogue Confronting the Most Profound Questions of Our Time

It will be easy for skeptics to find fault with this book, starting with the pretentious subtitle and Chopra's gushing introduction ("I was overwhelmed by the elegance of [Geller's] simplicity"), not to mention Boteach's implicit acceptance of controversial psychic Geller's "gifts." Beyond that, these letters between Geller (coauthor, Parascience Pack) and prolific Hasidic Rabbi Boteach (Kosher Sex) read more like self-conscious narratives and intellectual arguments than true exchanges—although the two men do reveal their tortured relationships with their fathers and Geller discloses his unwed fatherhood. Still, those who slog through all the verbiage—or arrive as devoted fans—will find some thought-provoking discussions. Geller feels guilt about killing a Jordanian man when he was in combat as an Israeli soldier; Boteach reminds him that God commands against murder, not killing. Geller wonders if a savior, a messiah, will come as he believes; Boteach responds, "of course" a messiah will come someday, but until then, we must act to redeem our small corners of the world. Geller says he's willing to pay to be cloned (he desperately wonders, "will the Uri-child be psychic?"); Boteach cautions that we must achieve immortality through good deeds on earth. Though they claim to share a sense of being "profoundly and sometimes maliciously misunderstood," most of the book consists of Boteach dispensing wisdom: on why we must aim to be good people, on finding real love in a relationship of mutual support; on how depression must be fought with action; on how having children is good for one's sex life (because it keeps one playful); and how heroism is found not in popular acclaim but in being a loving parent. (Apr.)