The Rebbe, the Messiah, and the Scandal of Orthodox Indifference - (Littman Library of Jewish Civilization) 2nd Edition by David Berger (Paperback)

About the Book

This book is a history, an indictment, a lament, and an appeal, focusing on the messianic trend in Lubavitch hasidism. It records the shattering of one of Judaism's core beliefs and the remarkable equanimity with which the standard-bearers of Orthodoxy have allowed it to happen. This is a development of striking importance for the history of religions, and it is an earthquake in the history of Judaism. David Berger describes the unfolding of this historic phenomenon and proposes a strategy to contain it.

Book Synopsis

This book is a history, an indictment, a lament, and an appeal, focusing on the messianic trend in Lubavitch hasidism. It demonstrates how hasidim who affirm the dead Rebbe's messiahship have abandoned one of Judaism's core beliefs in favour of adherence to the doctrine of a second coming. At the same time, it decries the remarkable equanimity with which the standard-bearers of Orthodoxy have granted legitimacy to this development by continuing to recognize such believers as Orthodox Jews in good standing. This dramatic abandonment of the age-old Jewish resistance to a quintessentially Christian belief is a development of striking importance for the history of religions, and it is an earthquake in the history of Judaism. David Berger chronicles the unfolding of this development from a personal viewpoint. He describes the growing concern that impelled him to undertake an anti-messianist campaign-publications, correspondence, and the sponsorship of a Rabbinical Council of America resolution excluding this belief from authentic Judaism.
He argues that a large number, almost certainly a substantial majority, of Lubavitch hasidim believe in the Rebbe's messiahship; a significant segment, including educators in the central institutions of the movement, maintain a theology that goes beyond posthumous messianism to the affirmation that the Rebbe is pure divinity. While many Jews see Lubavitch as a marginal phenomenon, its influence is in fact growing at a remarkable rate-to the point where its representatives are poised to dominate Orthodox religious institutions not merely in isolated outposts but in several major countries throughout the world. This book analyses the boundaries of Judaism's messianic faith and its conception of God. It assesses the threat posed by the messianists of Lubavitch and points to the consequences, ranging from undermining a fundamental argument against the Christian mission to calling into question the kosher status of many foods and ritual objects prepared under Lubavitch supervision. Finally, it proposes a strategy to protect authentic Judaism from this assault.

Review Quotes

'A courageous and important book . . . It is courageous because it is the first book of its kind and is directed against an icon of Orthodoxy. It is important because it has something important to say to a number of different constituencies . . . carefully and clearly argues, and generally persuasive . . . enhanced, in this regard, by its memoir form, which draws the reader into Berger's legitimate agony as his awareness of the problematics of Chabad messianism grows along with his equal despair that no one else seems to care.' Lippman Bodoff, Midstream

'A courageous and very troubling memoir . . . His criticism cannot be easily dismissed . . . Berger has performed an important service to world Jewry by raising an issue that for too long has been swept under the rug.' Lifestyles Magazine

'A passionate account of one man's involvement in a controversy that may well be one of the new century's major religion stories.' Alan Cochrum, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

'A profoundly fascinating and at the same time a profoundly disturbing story of admiration turning to adulation, thence through mass hysteria and mysticism to messianism . . . authoritative.' Geoffrey Alderman, Jewish Journal of Sociology

'Compelling . . . imperative reading, as it carefully and systematically documents the true nature and scope of contemporary Lubavitch missionary work.' Allan Nadler, Forward

'Passionate, powerful, brilliant . . . records not only conviction, but evidence and argument . . . This is simply the most important book of Judaism--not about Judaism but of Judaism--to appear this year, and the most urgent in decades.' Jacob Neusner, Jerusalem Post

'The growth of Lubavitch does cause concern, and Berger's book must be read to why it can be a danger to all of Judaism. This book is a brilliant exposition of the parameters of contemporary messianism . . . both the author and the publishers must be commended for their courage and openness.' Uri Ben Alexander, European Judaism

'Throughly engrossing book . . . Berger's abiding Orthodox religious commitment, deep familiarity with religious texts and ideas, and specialized training in historical scholarship have singularly positioned and qualified him to embark on this defense of Judaism . . . Astute historian that he is, he offers trenchant and compelling explanations for this lack of aggressive Orthodox reaction to this latest false messianism . . . an articulate, thoughtful, and passionate book.' Benny Kraut, Shofar

'Until now, no one has made the case as forcefully as Berger . . . If its j'accuse is ignored and its author dismissed, it will mean that the leadership of Orthodoxy is too timid to confront a major challenge to Jewish faith, and that would be tragic indeed.' Jack Riemer, Moment

'Years from now, this work will likely be seen as a primary text that formed part of the internal Jewish debate.' N. R. Deutsch, Choice