By COLlive reporter
A new book by Kehot in English presents a Talmudic exegesis by the Rebbe, adapted from two siyumim delivered by the Rebbe on tractates Makkot and Yoma.
The 80-page “Of Tears and Laughter” focuses on two moving Talmudic stories that occurred in the aftermath of the destruction of the second Beit Hamikdash.
The work is adapted and translated by new Kehot writer Rabbi Eli Block, a native of Plano, Texas whose previous contributions include the Chassidic commentary to the recently released Kehot edition of Tehillim.
Forthcoming is a volume of essays based on the writings of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rebbe’s father whose yartzeit is on the 20th of Av.
The new slim volume is being released in time for study during the nine days, when it is customary to make siyumim. The subject matter, too, is related to Tisha B’Av.
Four sages left their studies and boarded a ship to Italy, relates the Talmud at the close of Tractate Makkot. When they heard the din of the city of Rome from as far away as 70 miles, three of the rabbis began to weep. Rabbi Akiva, however, laughed.
With the Beit Hamikdash destroyed and the Romans celebrating the Sages had good reason to cry, but Rabbi Akiva said: “I rejoice for that very reason. If this is the lot of those who transgress G-d’s will, imagine what awaits those who fulfill it.” The Talmud continues with a similar story, this time in the hills of Jerusalem.
“When the Rebbe dissects the conclusion of a tractate,” writes Rabbi Block in his introduction, “his analysis does not only unite far-flung sections of the Talmud, but excavates the interior of the passage—its personal implications, mystical definitions, allegorical murmurings,—and illustrates how they are integral to understanding the lines that end the Talmudic tractate.”
With his unique, holistic approach to Torah study, the Rebbe explores the positions taken by the leading Sages of that time, and examines their lives and teachings. With a spotlight on Rabbi Akiva and his response, the Rebbe searches the Talmud for laws taught by Rabbi Akiva, his life’s story and allusions to the composition of his very soul, to provide a comprehensive and insightful reasoning for Rabbi Akiva’s optimism. In the final analysis the Rebbe provides a breathtaking mosaic of the leaders of the Jewish people in the post second Beit Hamikdash era.
Of Tears and Laughter is available at Kehot.com and at local Jewish bookstores.
Love the idea, looking forward to learning from it.
I am related through marriage and can objectively say that Rabbi Block Senior in Plano, Texas is a dugma chaya. He learns EVERY day with a seriousness and dedication that other people give to incoming calls on their smart phones. Kabbolos ol and love of Torah–it’s in the genes.
I still remember my summer at Plano Texas over 16 years ago! Rabbi Block, Eli’s father would take out a pile of seforom shabbos morning and learn for a while before all the people arrived at shul. It was such an inspiration to see him take so much time out of his schedule on shabbbos which is already quite intense for a Shliach and diligently learn. That, and many other actions I observed by their family were truly amazing. All shluchim should take an example from him and give torah the proper respect it deserves. It’s easy for shluchim to… Read more »
Mazal Tov Rabbi Block. I am so looking forward to reading your Sefer. May you continue to be marbitz Torah.
Rabbi Zev Silver
This is so nice.
Thank you Kehos.
Thank you Rabbi Eli Block
To many more good projects together.
and amazon
Continuing the Rebbe’s dream of making chasidis available to everyone.
Mazal tov Rabbi Block on your first book. Bring us many more