Reviews

Turning Judaism Outward - Soft Cover "A riveting biography�. this will prove to be a fascinating read even for those distant from Chabad or who knew little about this dominant figure in Jewish life." Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations �Wonderfully written as well as intensely thought provoking, Turning Judaism Outward is the most in-depth treatment of the life of the Rebbe ever written. The author has managed to successfully reconstruct the history of one of the most important Jewish religious leaders of the 20th century, whose life has up to now been shrouded in mystery. A compassionate, engaging biography, this magnificent work will open up many new avenues of research.� Dana Evan Kaplan, Author, Contemporary American Judaism: Transformation and Renewal; Editor, The Cambridge Companion to American Judaism �In contrast to other recent biographies of the Rebbe, Chaim Miller has availed himself of all the relevant textual sources and archival documents to recount the details of one of the more fascinating religious leaders of the twentieth century. Through the voice of the author, even the most seemingly trivial aspect of the Rebbe�s life is teeming with interest.... I am confident that readers of Miller�s book will derive great pleasure and receive much knowledge from this splendid and compelling portrait of the Rebbe.� Elliot R. Wolfson, Abraham Lieberman Professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, New York University �Only truly great biographers have been able to accomplish what Chaim Miller has with this book... I am awed by his work, and am now even more awed than ever before by the Rebbe�s personality and prodigious accomplishments.� Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Executive Vice President Emeritus, Orthodox Union; Editor-in-Chief, Koren-Steinsaltz Talmud �A fascinating account of the life and legacy of a spiritual master. The author�s meticulous scholarship is matched by his love of Torah. This book will inspire many who already know about the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe and many others who don�t yet have that privilege.� Daniel Matt, Author of the multi-volume annotated translation of the Zohar, The Zohar: Pritzker Edition �This well researched and thoroughly documented biography by a leading Chabad scholar presents an integrated account of the life and teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Innumerable details are integrated into an account that brings to life the Rebbe�s teachings and influence, without hiding the paradoxes and controversies that were raised by his career. � Lawrence H. Schiffman, Edelman Professor Emeritus of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, New York University; Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, Yeshiva University �A masterful work of scholarship, beautifully written, with new insight into the life of an introverted, brilliant scholar who created the largest and most influential outreach program in Jewish history.� Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO Orthodox Union Kosher �A masterful and erudite biography of the �Rebbe�.... All who are interested in the life of this remarkable man and leader will profit and be captivated by the work of Rabbi Miller!� Chancellor David Ellenson, Hebrew Union College�Jewish Institute of Religion �Though two decades have passed since the death of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, his messages of love of Torah and for his people continue to inspire so many in the Jewish world. Chaim Miller�s meticulous and heartfelt examination of the �Rebbe�s� indomitable quests and profound successes will be eagerly read by all those desirous of learning about the life, learning, leadership and legacy of this remarkable rabbinic figure.� Jeffrey S. Gurock, Libby M. Klaperman Professor of Jewish History, Yeshiva University; Author, Orthodox Jews in America "A desperately needed framework that can help anyone who heard about the Rebbe but had too many wrong mental models (and too many literary hindrances) to approach him culturally and spiritually.� Dr. Domenico Lepore, Founder, Intelligent Management; Author, Sechel: Logic, Language and Tools to Manage any Organization as a Network �There are tzadikim whose lives are like the Song of Songs. The words and events are explicit and clear, but the mystery, the secret remains unsolved. Rabbi Chaim Miller has written a masterpiece depicting the remarkable life and times of the Lubavitcher Rebbe z�ya. While honest and bold, it respects the sod, the secret of the towering tzadik whose life�s song changed the world.� Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, Congregation Aish Kodesh, Woodmere, NY; mashpia at Yeshiva University �Chaim Miller�s biography Turning Judaism Outward... is not afraid to engage the more complex and difficult questions about �the Rebbe�s� life. Using hundreds, perhaps thousands, of documents carefully footnoted, including sermons, official records, and letters, some only published in the past few years, Miller reconstructs the life of a somewhat iconoclastic Hasidic master.... In lucid, loving (but not overly apologetic) prose, Miller tells the very compelling story of a complicated life. I highly recommend it even for those who know little or nothing about the person or the world it describes.� Shaul Magid, Jay and Jeannie Schottenstein Chair in Jewish Studies, Indiana University/Bloomington �An important contribution about an individual who inspired an extremely great number of people. This volume should be widely read.� Rabbi Aaron Rakeffet, Professor of Rabbinic Literature, Yeshiva University; author, The Rav�the World of Rabbi Joseph Ber Soloveitchik �Miller�s new biography of the Rebbe combines several methods of description, testimony, and analysis. He offers a nuanced view of a complex and unique phenomenon in the Jewish religious world.� Dov Schwartz, Chair, the Interdisciplinary Unit and the department of Jewish Philosophy, Bar-Ilan University; author, Habad�s Thought: From Beginning to End "Rabbi Miller's hand is the hand of an expert, revealing to the reader a wondrous portrait of the Rebbe" Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, former Ashkenazi, Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Miller offers a thorough and comprehensive overview of the Rebbe's life and accomplishments. Bringing the reader into the Rebbe's world, Rabbi Miller takes them on an excursion through forty-two years of non-stop tireless exertion on the part of the Rebbe, to positively impact the lives of Jew and non-Jew alike, with the goal of changing the world. Offering a wealth of information, including details that even the Rebbe's chassidim might be unaware of, the reader becomes thoroughly educated in the Rebbe's activities and life perspective. The total immersion into the Rebbe's life that this book provides offers food for thought and leaves the reader inspired to reflect on what one can to enhance self and the world beyond. Rabbi Michoel Seligson. , Chabad Scholar and member of Marechet Otzar Chasidim I am loving the reading of this book. It paints a picture and invites you in. You can almost see the Reba's home thanks to the vivid description and engaging style of the editor. It is written with warmth and it beckons the person to continue reading. The book has managed to gather from many scattered places, even scant detail after detail, to one destination. It is especially revealing when discussing the Rebbe's time in Berlin, during which the Rebbe was engaged in bundle of communal and personal spiritual activities. One marvels at how the Rebbe balances studies at the university with what is clearly a completely different mindset. The editor's exhausting details is clear and present. I highly recommend this book to any person who wishes to seriously study how the Rebbe's life was always focused and geared towards sanctity and purity. It guides you along the path the Rebbe was on until the incredible gift the Almighty bequeathed to this world became a reality, which is the Rebbe becoming the Rebbe. I also highly recommend this book to any Chosid, as the details of the Rebbe's life is always of the highest interest. The book is interesting, smooth, and enlightening and inspiring. Rabbi Yossi Lew, Chabad of Peachtree City, GA Rabbi Chaim millers books is a must for every Chabad house it is a phenomenal reference book for the Rebbes early years and a documentation for those who never met the Rebbe. Most importantly it's the best way toGift the Rebbe to your community to give people a glimpse into the life of our holy Rebbe and for them to appreciate what you have always appreciated. Rabbi Aaron l. Raskin, Shliach of Brooklyn heights - Author of letters of light More than an informative read, this book is a journey. From the very first page it draws you into the world, life and times of the Rebbe. The authors exhaustive research and deft pen, makes for the most comprehensive and compelling biography of the Rebbe to date. It is both deeply moving and more importantly as the Rebbe would want: highly motivating, inspiring the reader to find one's own latent and inner resources and turn them outward. Rabbi Ruvi New, Director & Spiritual Leader, Chabad of East Boca Raton Rabbi Chaim Miller's "Turning Judaism Outward" is the first thoroughly researched biography of the Rebbe. He presents history as it happened, allowing the reader to decide. Miller's thought provoking tome is backed with academic footnotes. The Rebbe is demystified, yet real. Its clear that the Rebbe's humble beginnings and continued challenges were the springboard for his success. I encourage every serious person to read Rabbi Miller's book. Rabbi Chaim Dalfin, Chabad Historian "To make the Rebbe's unique personality and colorful life-story spring alive; to outline the vast range of people whose lives he personally impacted and lit up; to plumb the depths of his perception of the destiny of the Jewish people and of humanity at large; to portray the warmth of his supportive empathy for every single individual without exception; - to do all of this would appear to be an impossible challenge. "Yet Rabbi Chaim Miller, undaunted, has done all the above, and more, in this lively and readable biography that rests on his tireless research through hundreds of documented sources and personal interviews. Uri Kaploun, Editor Lessons in Tanya and other Kehot publications This book leaves no event unturned.... There are extremely emotional, sentimental and humorous accounts that are addressed at length making this book a true experiential journey from beginning to end. I strongly recommend it to all." Yochanan Gordon, Five Towns Jewish Times