Highlighting: “I’m Not the Boss: I Just Work Here” by Howard Jonas. Toby Press. 2020. English. Hardcover. 120 pages. ISBN: 978-1-59264-556-5.
Serial entrepreneur Howard Jonas has been creating successful enterprises since the age of 14, when he opened a hot dog stand near a local hospital. He went on to develop lucrative and prosperous businesses, the most successful being IDT, a multibillion-dollar telecommunications corporation that is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
While living through the crazy ’60s, Jonas began looking for answers, seeking a truth by which humans could live. He read books from the right and the left. Of course, there was Marxism and socialism, among many other popular “isms.” But none resonated with Jonas. What was true?
It was while reading the Torah that Jonas began to find ideas that appeared to be truthful and worthwhile. The biblical messages of morality spoke to him. The Torah’s commandments to respect foreigners and sojourners seemed to be counterintuitive in the ancient world when the Torah was written. To Jonas it became increasingly clear: This book of laws known as the Bible must be from God. Who else would offer a vision for humanity so focused on justice and kindness? As a result of his research and consideration, Jonas begins to live an observant Jewish life.
Jonas continues to ask philosophical questions: Why is there evil in the world? Where was God when bad events occurred? As an incredibly successful businessman with a happy personal life, Jonas is filled with optimism and idealism. Surrounded by family and wealth, what could be wrong? Everything was perfect. Until he was stricken with depression.
Jonas describes how his depression developed and how his life went into a tailspin. From the pinnacle of success, he quickly became a scared, emotionally shut-down shell. He almost lost his family and business. Driving over the George Washington Bridge to work, he considered jumping to his death each day. But an odd coincidence at the Dead Sea with a broken-down rental car led to his recovery and reentry into life.
Jonas shares facing incredible adversity with hope, faith and resilience in a book peppered with business wisdom and advice. His story will inspire all readers.
