The Rebbe

Aaron Howard, Jewish Herald-Voice Sixteen years after the death of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a flurry of new publications indicates not only how enduring the interest is in his life and legacy, but how potent the minefield is surrounding his mythology... The Heilman-Friedman book is generating the most controversy. Written for a lay audience, it frames Schneerson's mission, and that of the Chabad movement he led, as motivated by Messianism, here defined as the attempt to hasten the Messianic era through human actions. -- Sue Fishkoff, Jewish Telegraphic Agency In this exemplary work, we are treated to a well-written, well-documented history of the rise, life, death, and 'afterlife' of Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-94), the seventh-and last larger-than-life-leader (or 'rebbe') of ChaBaD Lubavitcher Hasidism... An outstanding book, strongly recommended for all interested in studying Schneerson and his beliefs. -- Anthony J. Elia, Library Journal When Samuel Heilman and Menachem Friedman, the two most distinguished sociologists of contemporary Orthodox Judaism set out to write this book, I was green with envy. They would combine their considerable talents and learning to bear on arguably the most fascinating, perhaps even the most successful, late 20th century Jewish religious leader... They have done an admirable job. -- Michael Berenbaum, Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles [T]he extraordinary biography of the Lubavitcher Rebbe executed by Samuel Heilman and Menachem Friedman, two sociologists who have cooperated in an exacting study of one of the most important religious figures of the 20th century... They deploy this approach in a narrative that is extraordinarily smooth in its literary style and transforms what could have been a dry and jargon-ridden sociological foray into a highly readable and occasionally even gripping exploration of the inner workings and theological complications that have animated the Lubavitcher 'empire' in the recent past. -- Arnold Ages, Indianapolis Post & Opinion [A] superb new biography... Mr. Heilman and Mr. Friedman are the perfect guides to tell this story. Their book is a model of meticulous research and balanced, wise assessments... The authors tell a riveting tale. No better account of this amazing saga of faith, hope, triumph and delusional madness can be imagined. To enjoy this book and learn its profound lessons, you don't have to be Jewish. -- Martin Sieff, Washington Times Where Heilman and Friedman excel is in separating fact from fiction in the rebbe's life... I am grateful to the authors for a profoundly human biography that will hopefully spur a whole new literature on the rebbe as man rather than angel and as person rather than saint. -- Shmuley Boteach, Jerusalem Post Illuminating... [A] clearly written and engaging biography... For anyone interested in a sophisticated sociological analysis of how Schneerson was able to become 'The Rebbe' this is a must read. -- Nathaniel Deutsch, Haaretz Prominent sociologists Heilman and Friedman have written an important book on the Lubavitcher movement, perhaps the most notable sect within Orthodox Judaism. The Rebbe, however, is also a provocative biography of Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, one of the 20th century's most influential religious leaders... For those unfamiliar with Schneerson's powerful religious message and messianic mission, this is essential reading. -- Choice This is a very good, accessible, non-hagiographic biography of the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe... Highly recommended for collections of twentieth century Jewish history. -- Shmuel Ben-Gad, AJL Newsletter