Rabbi Chaim Miller - Turning Judaism Outward: A Biography of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson

Praise for Turning Judaism Outward

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 co mpassionate, 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 Rebbes life is teeming with interest.... I am confident that readers of Millers 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 Rebbes personality and prodigious accomplishments.

Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Executive Vice President Emeritus, Orthodox Union; Editor-in-Chief, Koren-Steinsaltz Talmud

A riveting biography.... Rabbi Miller enables us to be eyewitnesses to his life, deeds and thoughts, with this fascinating, detailed account that includes firsthand reports enabling the reader to be present at vital moments and discussions. As one who was privileged to know the Rebbe, and greatly admired and respected him, I learned a remarkable amount that enhanced my appreciation. The comprehensive footnotes reflect the seriousness of the work and give it greater depth. I believe that 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 of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations

Rabbi Millers hand is the hand of an expert, revealing to the reader a wondrous portrait of the Rebbe.

Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, former Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Israel

A fascinating account of the life and legacy of a spiritual master. The authors 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 dont 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 Rebbes 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 U nion Ko sher

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 CollegeJewish 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 Millers meticulous and heartfelt examination of the Rebbes 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, Sech el: L ogic, 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 zya . While honest and bold, it respects the sod , the secret of the towering tzadik whose lifes song changed the world.

Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, Congregation Aish Kodesh, Woodmere, NY; mashpia at Yeshiva University

Chaim Millers biography Turning Judaism Outward ... is not afraid to engage the more complex and difficult questions about the Rebbes 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

I was very impressed with the research and scholarship. It presents a most accurate and honest portrait of an individual who inspired many. This volume should be widely read and studied.

Rabbi Aaron Rakeffet, Professor of Rabbinic Literature, Yeshiva University in Israel; author, The Rav the World of Rabbi Joseph Ber Soloveitchik

Millers 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; aut hor, Habads Thought: From Beginning to E nd

A formidable volume... it feels like I am part of an intimate reading, perspective and perception of our dear Rebbe, which is the greatest compliment that one can give a writer.... I compliment you on your capacity to be able to somehow encapsulate some glimpse of this giant, greater than life Giant, and communicate it in a manner that is both informative and at the same time infuse the reader with a sense of holiness and transcendence. I highly recommend this book.

Rabbi Shalom Lipskar, The Shul, Bal Harbor

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, make 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 ones own latent and inner resources and turn them outward.

Rabbi Ruvi New, Director & Spiritual Leader, Chabad of East Boca Raton

Rabbi Miller has done a superlative job illuminating the life and work of a great man known to many but understood by few. It is a refreshing, engaging and well-written portrait of one of the giants of Jewish thought and leadership.