Turning Judaism Outwards A Biography of Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson

A Biography of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994), the Lubavitcher Rebbe, took an insular Chasidic group that was almost decimated by the Holocaust and transformed it into one of the most influential and controversial forces in world Jewry. This superbly crafted biography draws on recently uncovered documents and archives of personal correspondence, painting an exceptionally human and charming portrait of a man who was well known but little understood. With a sharp attention to detail and an effortless style, Chaim Miller takes us on a soaring journey through the life, mind and struggles of one of the most interesting religious personalities of the Twentieth Century.

"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