IRWIN KULA is known as both a provocative religious leader and a respected spiritual iconoclast, who has inspired thousands of people across the country using Jewish wisdom in ways that speak to modern life. A cutting-edge scholar, teacher, and rabbi, he brings the insights of an ancient tradition to the challenges of the present to help people live more fully.

Named by both Fast Company magazine and “Religion and Ethics Newsweekly” (PBS) as one of the new leaders shaping the American spiritual landscape, Kula offers a perspective often missing in the media. A regular on NBC-TV’s “The Today Show,” he is the author of the new book, Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred Messiness of Life (Hyperion, 2006), and was featured in a national public TV pledge special, “The Hidden Wisdom of Our Yearnings,” which was based on his book.

In 2004, Kula wrote and was featured in Time for a New God, an acclaimed documentary shown at film festivals nationwide. In 2003, Kula hosted a first-ever 13-part national public TV series produced by JTN Productions, “Simple Wisdom With Irwin Kula,” using Jewish wisdom to explore the central issues of life - family, love, money, and work.

Kula is the Co-President of CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership , a leadership training institute, think tank and resource center. A regular guest on the Hallmark Channel’s “New Morning” show, and “The Lars Larson Show” on Westwood One radio, he was featured on “Frontline” (PBS) on the anniversary of 9/11, and was a repeat guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Frequently quoted in the press, he is in great demand by leaders from such diverse fields as business, technology, relationships, and religion.