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4.8 out of 5 stars
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Elimelach C. Estrin
4.0 out of 5 stars Intelligent, honest overview of the Rebbe and his movement
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2014
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Unlike previous attempts at putting the Rebbe on paper, this book suffers from neither excited hyperbole nor an axe to grind. Rabbi Steinsaltz puts it all in this book, a highly readable, well-argued yet honest portrayal of the Rebbe and his movement. Steinsaltz doesn't fear controversy or questions - he clearly takes the approach of a modern Chassid, but displays his own perspective clearly as such. Individual Chassidim may find details of the book they disagree with, but that is to be expected. In the end, it is a well balanced synthesis of biography, history, philosophy and reflection.

An excellent insider's look at the Rebbe and the modern Chabad movement.
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Aryae Coopersmith
5.0 out of 5 stars he is also a terrific story teller
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2015
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Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz is not only one of the world's leading Talmud scholars and interpreters of Jewish mysticism, he is also a terrific story teller! His book about the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe is as accessible and engaging as a story as it is filled with deep insight about the Rebbe, the lineage of spiritual leaders of which he was a member, and the Chabad movement that he led. For anyone with an interest in these things, this is most rewarding reading!
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Mendel Mordecai
5.0 out of 5 stars the most personal & emotional biography
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2015
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I have read two other biographies, and this is the most personal. Also the most emotional.I think this biography took me deeper into modern-day CHABAD then any of the others. Last summer my family and I lived about four blocks from 770 for about three weeks. I wish I'd read this book before I took that trip. A lot of the questions that I had about the Rebbe and about CHABAD were answered by this book. I feel a deep personal connection to the Rebbe that i understand better now.
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Jeans&Jets
5.0 out of 5 stars What makes this masterpiece so unique....
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2014
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What makes this masterpiece so unique is Rabbi Steinsaltz's personal accounts, experiences and opinions, upon which he bases a large portion of this book. His powerful account of the life of Rabbi Schneerson is both riveting and accurate. As a member of the Chabad sect himself Rabbi Steinzalts offers a unique and beautiful glimpse into the relationship and love that exists between a Chassid (Follower) and a Rebbe.
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Caring Spirit
5.0 out of 5 stars I think understanding the Rebbe as a mentch and a living example of goodness and kindness helped me to become a better person to
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2014
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Being a independent thinker , world recognized scholar and opionion maker, is what Rabbi Mendel Shneerson, (the Rebbe) did for over 40 years. The author of this book, Rabbi Steinsaltz, in describing the scholarship and leadership skills exemplified by the Rebbe gives us important insight into the Rebbe as a person and into the Rebbe's motivation and thinking. I think understanding the Rebbe as a mentch and a living example of goodness and kindness helped me to become a better person too.
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Bob
5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful book about a great Jewish leader
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2020
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A fantastic and well researched book. Very enjoyable to read this book.
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QVSales
4.0 out of 5 stars A lantern of light
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2014
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The book is delightfully presented and an easy read the author skillfully enlarges and references just the right ingredients to ensure the reader benefits from the message of that chapter. He arranges the chapters historically and philosophically in a special mix that barely hides the exciter he draws from the
work of the Rebbe. Most recommended book.
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C. Gottlieb
5.0 out of 5 stars A Remarkable Leader
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2014
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This is an excellent biography of an amazing man. A very personal account of a subversive leader in the Chabad movement. Menachem Mendel Schneerson, 7th Lubavitcher rebbe, had gifted "powers" of leadership. He inspired people to learn and work beyond their potential, to do more for themselves and that of the Chabad movement in religion and religious education. People came far and wide for his learned advice, waiting in long lines to hear what he would say to guide them to do the right thing. He was a very wise man, and very revered man, scholarly in all ways. This is an up close and very personal account of the Rebbe. The book flows so nicely from the history of the Luvavitch beginnings and the leadership in eastern Europe to present day. It has now been 20 years since the Rebbe's death and people still look back to his teachings, words and sage advice. He had a magical presence yet he didn't want to be placed on a pedestal. If you want to know more about this special Rebbe, then this is the book. We can all learn from him and this book gives insight to who he was and how he lived his life.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars delivery
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 19, 2018
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quick delivery and good price
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Steve Herzfeld
4.0 out of 5 stars an insider's view of a fascinating religious leader
Reviewed in India on February 3, 2017
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an enjoyable read about a very interesting and influential man.
I've read several books by Rabbi Steinsaltz but have to admit none (including this one) have touched me as "The Thirteen Petalled Rose" did.

I guess I was hoping from this book to understand why so many people found this Rebbe to be such a remarkable personality that they would take him to be their spiritual master. I'm sure there is a reason but I couldn't find it in the book. Maybe I'm being too demanding.

Having said that, if you are interested in the growth of the Hasidic Lubovitcher movement this is a great book.
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Mozzy3
5.0 out of 5 stars Its personal, its powerful and it deserves a read ...
Reviewed in Canada on June 29, 2014
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Its personal, its powerful and it deserves a read through. When asked what is the difference between Adin Steinsaltz "My Rebbe" and Joseph Telushkin's "Rebbe" simply, if you want a personal portrait of an incredible world leader read this book. If you want to understand Rabbi Schneerson's leadership style read Telushkin. Both are incredible books. This one has lots of heart.
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Daniel
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful warm biography of the Rebbe and brief but comprehensive ...
Reviewed in Canada on May 26, 2015
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A beautiful warm biography of the Rebbe and brief but comprehensive history of Lubavitch. Gave me a new appreciation and connection to Lubavitch.
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Italo
5.0 out of 5 stars Una vita splendida di studio, preghiera, amore edinsegnamento
Reviewed in Italy on July 30, 2014
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Una superba biografia che conquista pagina dopo pagina senza un attimo di pausa ed appassiona ed insegna .Una vita come quella del Rebbe nonha termine.
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