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Sunday, 30 Adar I, 5784
  |  March 10, 2024

Yet Another ‘Biography’ on Rebbe

Rabbi Chaim Miller of Crown Heights jumps on the bandwagon and publishes yet another book about the Rebbe. Full Story

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I read the book
June 12, 2014 5:30 pm

Amazing!!
May you go Mechayil el Choyil
I enjoyed it much more than Telushkin’s.

Sadness
June 11, 2014 12:04 pm

These books about the Rebbe aren’t for us, his chossidim. They are for all of the other yiddish neshomo’s who have yet to be lit. Let 500 books be written about the Rebbe so that every Barnes n Noble has people reading them in the aisles. These are the wellsprings and as we learned in Hayom Yom last week, this reawakening of the neshomo is restoring life to something that isn’t alive (“dead”). Please, let’s not make the mistakes of the past. We just completed counting Sefirah. Remember what brought about the plague that decimated Rabbi Akiva’s students. A book… Read more »

Back to the Future
May 30, 2014 3:32 pm

1. I’d change the title to Back to the Future because it encapsulates the Rebbe’s vision: re-engage us as mitzvah-doers thus triggering Bias-haMoshiach in line with the whole Basi LeGani theme. 2. I agree with the picture-haters, not for the book cover, inside, yes, great photo. On the cover should’ve been a leibidke picture from the mems or nuns, there are tons of those. The current pic is obvioulsy gimmicky. 3. Get an American proofreader to weed out pompous and non-American usage britishisms. For instance, from the free download: “alarming” speed should really be frenetic) Heck, maybe I write my… Read more »

Bought and read
May 30, 2014 3:17 pm

I purchased this book yesterday and started reading last night. It is a work of pure genius. Rabbi Miller’s style of writing is engaging, inspiring and intellectually satisfying. While the book superficially looks like it has been written by an academic (which seems to have upset some of the less ‘academic’ people above), it is clearly the work of a pure chassid. I will be buying a few more copies to give to some friends. An outstanding and unprecedented triumph!

I love the cover!!
May 29, 2014 9:55 am

Every photo of the rebbe is geshmak!!

nice
May 28, 2014 8:24 pm

looks impressive cant wait to read

Amazing book
May 28, 2014 7:12 pm

Just read the sample chapter. Miller is a genius! This will definitely be the best biography of the Rebbe

Can't wait
May 28, 2014 7:10 pm

Rabbi Miller is probably the best writer we have in Lubavitch. I am sure this will be very special. Am very excited to read this book.

Veary Nicely Done
May 28, 2014 9:46 am

An impressive work. Yasher Koack Rabbi Miller!

CH Neighbour
May 27, 2014 5:19 am

I live near Rabbi Miller and take issue with the suggestion that the other books are superior as have “been in the works for years” while his was “written in the last year”. He is a full-time writer, while the other authors have other ‘day jobs’. When I recently asked him what he was working on, Rabbi Miller explained that the has been ‘working round-the clock’ for over a year – having spent many previous years researching – to finish this work before the 20th anniversary of gimmel tammuz. I am certain that this will be the most thorough and… Read more »

amazed
May 27, 2014 2:37 am

I am one “in the know” (it’s anonymous so believe me) I just read the chapter provided here and have been “blown away” it seems this will be a great biography.
As to R Steinsalts. I have the book, I perused it. And I’m not impressed at all it reads more like a expanded Bio of what the rebbe did. Not what was the motivating factors.
Read the chapter
I must admit I was thrown off by the cover photo. Poor choice I think.
I look very forward, as should we all, to reading the entire book

Is a Biography even Appropriate?
May 26, 2014 11:22 pm

A chassidishe yid told me something very poignant. Why don’t we find the Rebbe writing or having someone write a biography of the Frierdiker Rebbe (like he had Nissan Mindel write one of the Alter Rebbe)? Because biographies are about past history. The Rebbe is not past history. We don’t write ABOUT the Rebbe (as if we are analyzing and revealing the complexity of the Rebbe); we write what the Rebbe teaches us, his Torah. We are not journalists and biographers; we are students and ambassadors to spread Chassidus to the chutzah. I am sorry to be so blunt, but… Read more »

As a Student of Rabbi Chaim Miller. ..
May 26, 2014 10:02 pm

I was a student of Rabbi Miller in leads. I can tell you, he was Boruch Hashem blessed with an amazing koach hasbara.

This book looks exciting and I look forward to reading it cover to cover. ..

Nice colection of reliable sources
May 26, 2014 3:31 pm

Very informative and nicely written.
This is my approbation after reading chapter eleven.
I’m looking forward to buy it.
Will it be sold on Amazon?

chaim
May 26, 2014 2:12 pm

already found a fact wrong in this chapter

Why the reaction to the cover?
May 26, 2014 1:52 pm

Because it makes the Rebbe look human? Isn’t that precisely the gadlus of the Rebbe – davka a human being…?

Yasher koach to Rabbi Miller! Looking forward.

Not a fan of Mr. Miller
May 26, 2014 1:30 pm

Mr. Miller is way out of his league.

And all the haskamas. From the YU and OU crowd, the professors, the big, wise people etc. Good people – but not a one from our quarters… which tells you a LOT about MR. Miller’s perspective of life.

Wow
May 26, 2014 10:50 am

Judging by the preview I’ve just read, this book looks like it has a lot of potential

Comment 10
May 26, 2014 8:04 am

Took the words out of my keyboard. Extreme disrespect is blatant in the sample chapter. Did a chossid really write this? Are the Rebbeim his buddies? This is shocking! The choice of cover tells the rest of the story.
Moshiach NOW!!

dont like cover
May 26, 2014 8:03 am

And read the sample chapter not my taste. Written with little respect

This book is extremely informative
May 26, 2014 6:05 am

Every house should buy one for their bookcase

When is it coming out?
May 26, 2014 5:58 am

I will definitely be buying a copy!

BEAUTIFUL COVER
May 26, 2014 3:00 am

I am obsessed with this cover – it truly captures the Rebbe as a “Man of G-d.” The Rebbe looks young, tall, handsome, and princely – exactly what he is. The regal bearing combined with the majestic aura protruding from this photo truly entails what the Rebbe is. He was and still is able to reach out to every person. On the one hand he is a tzaddik, but on the other he made himself relatable. Furthermore, I think for anyone to call this cover “disrespectful” (yes you #15) or “mundane” (# 11) are totally out of his or her… Read more »

Love the Cover
May 26, 2014 1:50 am

Too many negative people post sometimes. 1. The book was not written for CH. The cover is very trendy. 2. Why is it not respectful to have a picture of the Rebbe when he was younger. The Rebbe is well dressed and looking outward. It fits the title. 3. Why is Rabbi Miller ” not makir es mikomo”? Are you kidding. He has done tremendous work in bringing the Rebbe’s teaching to all Klal Yisroel (even in our community itself). This is just one more beautiful project. 4. We all try to give over to people who the Rebbe was… Read more »

I don't think
May 26, 2014 1:29 am

The rebbe would appreciate the picture on the cover

This isn't a chabad propaganda piece
May 26, 2014 1:11 am

Chaim is writing for the Amcha. The cover is tasteful and beautiful.
Grow up and be Breit

Cover
May 26, 2014 1:00 am

All this feigned disgust with the cover speaks volumes about those dispensing their enlightened opinions about a book they have not seen nor read in real time. Never judge a book by its cover. As well, for those of us who grew up without the rebbe, the rebbe’s life before becoming rebbe is far from an anathema, for us, it is the picture, completed. This need to pretend like it didn’t happen is so like everything else the older generation has relayed. Stunted, half-truths and self-denial to name but a few of those traits.

Wonderful
May 26, 2014 12:39 am

Rabbi Miller contributed tremendously on so many levels (books, lectures etc) so I can certainly see why this impressive person would write this book.

Why it is not on amazon yet for pre-order?

BTW, the cover is amazing.

This is the only full biography
May 26, 2014 12:37 am

Steinsaltz book is personal memoir. Telushkin book is focused on mivsoyim. Miller’s book is full annotated biography. Can’t wait to read it all.

Telushkin quote of the Rabbi from Bnei Brak
May 25, 2014 11:53 pm

I have seenTelushkins book where he quotes the Rabbi from Bnei Brack about our Rebbe .i would not want my children to see that or anyone for that matter

I agree
May 25, 2014 11:45 pm

the cover should be changed!

Wait what?
May 25, 2014 11:27 pm

What’s wrong with the cover??? It’s a picture of the Rebbe… If you think there’s something wrong with it then you think there was something wrong with the Rebbe at the time the pic was taken. That’s your problem, this is a biography about his life including parts that aren’t your favorites…

Preorder your copy today!
May 25, 2014 10:47 pm

Preorder your copy today and receive it at your doorstep when it arrives on Wednesday:
http://www.seforimdeals.com/store select “Free Shipping” to receive free delivery, offer only valid in Crown Heights.

miller vs. telushkin
May 25, 2014 10:41 pm

Having read Telushkin cover to cover and having read Miller, I dont see how anyone can compare. Not to mention Steinsaltz. Telushkin is by far the best of the lot. I’m not sure between Steinzaltz and Miller. Each has a mala over the other. Telushkin is definitely a must!

can't believe
May 25, 2014 10:25 pm

I can’t believe these comments!
Where is ahavas Isroel?
if you don’t like the book, don’t buy it, but to take the time to write these negative comments about the cover, about the author, this is an avla, and jealousy!
Rabbi Miller had proven to be an excellent writer, this work was reviewed in Kolel Menachen, and I am sure that is going to be a best seller
I personally love the cover, I think that will attract more people to buy it

don't me to slander chas vshalom but a musar.
May 25, 2014 10:25 pm

well, i hope we aren’t speaking loshon hara, but lubavitch and rebbe shouldn’t be about making more business, ‘jumping on a bandwaggons… shlichus- maybe, tfillin and other mivtzoim, but not putting out more goods. but, maybe its a good work and if the author has the best intents, then god bless.

Rabbi Chaim Miller
May 25, 2014 10:12 pm

Another masterpiece by the great Reb Chaim Miller. He is a hidden Jem in the Chabad community. We should take advantage of what he has to offer.

Thank you from the Peanut Gallery
May 25, 2014 10:09 pm

Rabbi Miller, don’t listen to the haters who will always hate, trust me. You did something, and it came from a place of sincerity and wanting to better our knowledge of the Rebbe. Details are definitely important, but all these ppl have no chance to ever put such a publication on their own, so they’ll bash you for trying.

Thanks for standing above the rest with ur efforts.

problem?
May 25, 2014 10:06 pm

I don’t understand why so many people feel this cover is disrespectful. Are you somehow embarrassed by this picture? It’s a picture the Rebbe himself posed for, in his youth, and, in my view, is gorgeous.

So negative?!
May 25, 2014 9:19 pm

Dont understand why so many people are writing negative comments. Rabbi Miller has written some brilliant books over the past decade. No reason to believe that this one isn’t too!

Telushkin
May 25, 2014 9:14 pm

I’ve heard from a few people who read it that its amazing and worth buying. Order your copy today!

Look at the sample chapter, not the cover
May 25, 2014 9:10 pm

I have no issues with the cover. It is a photograph of our Rebbe, so what’s the problem?? But for those who do, I suggest they read the sample chapter here. It is brilliantly written and seriously inspiring. Miller looks like he has written a masterpiece!

I don't think the cover
May 25, 2014 8:36 pm

Brings kovod to the rebbe very grube

Just saying !
May 25, 2014 8:33 pm

Not a fan of this book

Rabbi Miller's works speak for themselves
May 25, 2014 8:21 pm

Looking forward to it

Cover?!?
May 25, 2014 8:14 pm

I am honestly shocked by the cover. How disrespectful!!

Sholom Dovber
May 25, 2014 8:04 pm

I read the pages placed on line as an introduction, very interesting as is the Steinsaltz biography, Telushkins contribution in my estimation is less impressive.

Judging a Book by its Cover
May 25, 2014 7:50 pm

The picture on the cover was, obviously, chosen carefully. What a statement. It is in poor taste IMHO and i will be skipping this one.

makir es mekomo
May 25, 2014 7:43 pm

With all due respect to R’ Miller, he is out of his league and not makir es mekomo.

shkoiach but...
May 25, 2014 7:42 pm

Yasher koach for trying to spread the rebbe out to the public.
Don’t really like the picture of choice… It makes the Rebbe look mundane…

disrespectful
May 25, 2014 7:27 pm

I read the sample chapter and find the wording quite disrespectful ex Moussia with no title “his wife” or later on Rayatz with no title Rebbe.
Are these the words of a Chosid?

Bad cover
May 25, 2014 7:26 pm

As a publishing industry insider for over 25 years, the cover is very poor, inappropriate, and disrespectful. I hope they change it before it hits the streets.

So excited
May 25, 2014 6:46 pm

I’m sure this will be the best biography so far

Amazing cover
May 25, 2014 6:45 pm

It totally illustrates the title. You can see the Rebbe actually looking outwards.

plagiarized book
May 25, 2014 6:09 pm

Not even a good cover photo

At the recent YU lecture
May 25, 2014 6:02 pm

Rabbi Y Krinsky says even he still doesnt know what made the Rebbe who he was/ is. I think all these books will still leave us thirsty to understand an incredible person, who at the end of the day, will remain a mystery to all. That is what is so incredible about him. For myself all I can say is Ashreinu mah tov Chelkeinu that we had the privilege to be in his daled amos and be inspired by such a great man. That is why the jew writing this is doing so from a place of golus, New brunswick… Read more »

cover
May 25, 2014 6:00 pm

if you judge a book by the cover then this book must be terrible.how you dare use that picture for the cover of a book writing about our holy rebbe.

don't like the cover
May 25, 2014 5:38 pm

Not such a good choice of picture

Mazal tov but...
May 25, 2014 5:25 pm

I’m not sure any of these biographies can compare, or even come close to resembling, the biography of Rabbi Steinsaltz, “My Rebbe”. a. Rabbi Steinsaltz is a genius of the highest order – whose mind and works far, far supersede any mind and works in the Jewish world today. b. Most importantly, Rabbi Steinsaltz, speaks from an entirely different angle, the angle of an insider. For unlike ANY other author mentioned, Rabbi Steinsaltz spent hundreds of hours with the Rebbe, most in yechidus one-on-one and, as all know, he had an unparalleled kesher with the Rebbe!

Just saying
May 25, 2014 5:09 pm

I’m not sure what qualifies a person to write a book on the rebbe.

A person may have skills in writing over a parts of a sicha in proper and comfortable to read English. However that skill is a far cry from being able to write a history/biography on the rebbe.

A dangerous move… going where a person not qualified shouldn’t go.

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