ALGEMEINER
by Steve Wenick
July 7, 2014

Did you know that in the entire Bible, only one birthday is mentioned and it is that of Pharaoh? And did you know that according to some scientists, by accepting Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity, it is impossible to prove or disprove that the sun is the gravitational center of our solar system? In his new book, REBBE, best-selling author Joseph Telushkin reveals many surprising and sometimes shocking details as he chronicles the life and teachings of the charismatic Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, popularly referred to as the “Rebbe” by his followers and admirers worldwide.

In a span of 92 years, the Rebbe traveled from his birthplace, Nikolayev, Ukraine, studied in the cosmopolitan cities of Berlin and Paris earning degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering, and finally settled down in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn. It was there that he reluctantly donned the mantel as the Seventh Lubavitcher Rabbi and humbly assumed the title of the Rebbe.

Prior to his ‘coronation’ he had already attained the stature of a spiritual magnet to whom world leaders and ordinary people alike gravitated into his sphere of influence. More than a biography, this book strings together historic events, personal insights, and private moments that bring the reader to yichudusim (private moments of consultation) with the Rebbe. Known worldwide for his sage advice, one cannot help but wonder how the Rebbe could advise a distraught son seeking the best way to help his ailing father to, “Take your father to the poolroom” and on another occasion asking a follower on his birthday, “How come you don’t have a birthday cake?” In his portrayal of the Rebbe, Telushkin successfully depicts him not only as a man of faith but as a man who has faith in mankind. He had a fervent belief in the coming of the Moshiach (Messiah) and although there are those who regarded him as the Messiah, the Rebbe disavowed and discouraged such a notion.

…..As an innovator, the Rebbe instituted Chabad Houses on college campuses, public lighting of Menorahs on Chanukah, and later in life – when age began to diminish his physical strength – he distributed dollar bills to be used for charity. Although the Rebbe personally did not condone women carrying the Torah during the Hakafot processional service on the holiday of Shimini Atzeret – Simchat Torah, he did not disapprove of the practice for some Orthodox congregations. Telushkin explains that the derivation of the name of the movement, ‘Chabad’ is an acronym for Chochma, Bina, and Da’at which means Wisdom, Understanding, and Knowledge, respectively. He recognized that the Rebbe possessed all three of those attributes, fused with the uncanny ability to use them effectively. Telushkin believed that the Rebbe saw the spark of goodness in every soul, each one with the potential to burn brightly in the service of G-d and thereby help light a path leading to the betterment of all mankind.

READ MORE http://www.algemeiner.com/2014/07/07/a-holistic-look-at-the-rebbes-life-and-career-review/