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Predicting the Past: Rav and Rebbe

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In the recently published volume, “Rav and Rebbe” (Jewish Enrichment Press; September, 2016) meticulous attention to detail has been paid by Rabbi Chaim Dalfin, a noted author and distinguished member of the Chabad community. He has assiduously researched the connection between the Rav and the Rebbe.

In recent years, numerous lectures, books and articles have attempted to explore and analyze the bond that existed between the Rav, Rabbi Yosef Ber Soloveitchik and the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. In their lifetimes, these Torah luminaries inspired thousands of people. Through their teachings and students, they continue to inspire our generation

For those seeking a compelling and factually faithful study of the friendship that existed between these extraordinary people the recently published volume, “Rav and Rebbe” (Jewish Enrichment Press; September, 2016) is a must-read. With meticulous attention to detail, Rabbi Chaim Dalfin, a noted author and distinguished member of the Chabad community, has assiduously researched the connection between the Rav and the Rebbe. With accuracy and integrity as the benchmark of his writing, Rabbi Dalfin conducted extensive interviews with individuals who were acquainted with one or both of these giants who are the central figures of this comprehensive book. With amazing accuracy and precision, the author enables us to “predict the past” and witness history as they unfold before our eyes. Through the power of his prose, Rabbi Dalfin transports the reader across decades, transcending time as he provides front-row seats to milestone events.

The author takes us back in time to a cold winter night over a quarter-century ago. It is January 28, 1980 – 10 Shvat —and we are witnessing a milestone event at 770 Eastern Parkway; in celebration of thirty years of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s leadership of the worldwide Lubavitch movement. Adding to the significance of the occasion is the fact that it marks the thirtieth Yahrtzeit of the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson. Gracing this momentous event with his presence is Rabbi Yoseph Ber Soloveitchik, Rosh Yeshiva of RIETS, with whom the Rebbe has shared a friendship since meeting at the University of Berlin.

Richly detailed, the book attests to the author’s commitment to preserving historical truths. Rabbi Dalfin provides documented information regarding family history and events. An extraordinary moment in history was made that night in history as two spiritual giants with a pedigree of Jewish pride, self-sacrifice and Torah scholarship met in a room with thousands of people.

Rabbi Dalfin cites the following story, told to him by Rabbi Reuven Insel, whose father, Rabbi Avraham Insel was a student of the Rav’s during the 1940s:

During the 1940s, Abraham “Abe” Insel was a student at RIETS and the Rav was his Rosh Yeshiva. The Rav had been ill for a period of time. Upon the Rav’s return to the Yeshiva, Rabbi Abe Insel noticed a change in the format of the two-hour Talmud lecture; the Rav concluded his lecture with a 15 minute explanation of what he had just taught his students. Rabbi Abe Insel told his son he was unable to comprehend this part of the lecture as he did not have a Chasidic background.

This situation ensued for a year until Rabbi Insel respectfully asked the Rav why he was teaching the Chasidic source.

The Rav replied that he was repaying a debt. “This past year, I was seriously ill. I decided to ask my friend, the Ramash, who I know well from our time in Berlin, for a brocha. Although I am not a Chasid, nevertheless, he is my good friend, and I know him to be in awe of G-d.. He is truly connected to G-d; therefore, I knew that his blessing would help me. His wishes were fulfilled, and to thank him, I decided to devote fifteen minutes of my lecture to Chasidic thought. This is my way of repaying him.”

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this volume is the author’s ability to convey the greatness of the two extraordinary giants by accurately depicting them as human beings. We learn about their respective pedigrees and the subsequent impact on their lives – and ultimately on their followers and the global Torah community. Rabbi Dalfin delves deeply into their educational backgrounds, documenting each sage’s University experience. He discusses the challenges each sage faced throughout their lives and gifts us with gems depicting the rich legacy of each of these Torah giants and how it will forever impact Klal Yisrael.

The Rav and the Rebbe championed quality Torah education for women; indeed, we “meet” the respective wives of both giants, each of whom was cherished by her husband, and played a pivotal role in implementing a superb educational system within her community and extending far beyond its environs.

Expansive as it is in volume, “Rav and Rebbe” is an engrossing page-turner you will not want to put down.

Book is available at [email protected] – Amazon – 212-444-9102 – 400pp; Hard Cover; 560 FN’s; 50 Pics & Docs; Glossary; Index; Addendums

By Rabbi Chaim Dalfin
Reviewed By: Rochelle Maruch Miller

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