MENACHEM MENDEL SCHNEERSON

The life of one of the 20th century’s most influential Jewish leaders.

Glinter provides an accessible, informed, and balanced biography of Rabbi Schneerson (1902-1994), rebbe of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement of Hassidism. The author takes on two tasks in this work. First, he explores the multilayered story of Schneerson’s life, which is split between the two different worlds of Eastern Europe and New York City, as well as two different eras, one as a student and scholar, the next as the innovative leader of an entire religious movement. Second, Glinter explains the history, culture, and influence of Chabad, which is no small endeavor, given its many complexities. Glinter allows the reader—Jewish or not—to gain a fuller understanding of Chabad Hasidism and its role in the world today. The author manages to tread on fragile ground with aplomb. In approaching a figure many believe to be the literal messiah, foretold in ancient prophetic literature, a scholar must demonstrate credibility, respect, and integrity in order to present the biography of an imperfect man yet recognize the esteem in which many hold him. Glinter walks this tightrope well, and the result is a worthwhile portrait that is neither sensational nor hagiographic. Schneerson’s life is explored from a variety of angles: the global turmoil that shaped his youth, the almost disengaged man of scholarship, the pragmatic leadership of his years as rebbe, and the enthusiastic devotion of his followers. Yet none of this would make sense without Glinter’s excellent explanation of the history, theology, and culture of Hasidism, and Chabad especially. Jewish scholars will find nothing groundbreaking here, but for readers only somewhat familiar with the Hasidic population, Glinter has provided an exceptional tool for understanding.

Insightful, balanced, and accessible introduction to Chabad and to its modern leader.