When was the last time your read a book that really talks to
you? A book that not only says something of value, but whose
author warms you with his sincerity, compassion and wisdom? A
book that doesn't preach, but reaches deep into your mind and
heart to awaken the clarity that was there all along?
A Rabbi's Journal is just that book. It's remarkable
because it and its author are one. Readers who haven't had
the pleasure of meeting Rabbi Yitzchak Reuven Rubin, the
American-born Rav of the South Manchester kehilla,
have quite a treat waiting in store for them. Besides
offering beautifully written insights into our lives as Torah
Jews, Rabbi Rubin impresses you with his kindness, caring,
encouragement and understanding -- and leaves you enriched by
the experience.
His journal grows on you in a friendly, familiar way. Rabbi
Rubin has a wonderful knack for telling humorous anecdotes,
which he uses as a springboard for wide- ranging observations
about mitzvos, middos and attitudes. He even includes
his rebbetzin, children and grandchildren in many a scenario.
(By the end of the book, you'll feel you know his family,
too!)
This is one rabbi who is not embarrassed to refer to himself
as "Rubin" or admit to his less glorious moments. Yet a page
later, his soul will soar to remarkable heights of ahavas
Yisroel and emunas chachomim. He skillfully
inspires his readers to aim for those very same heights.
Take, for example, this conclusion to his description of
nisyonos as the `detours' on life's journey:
"Parents, take a break, catch your breath, talk to your
children (and grandchildren) and tell them of the signs along
your road. Tell them about the things that made you grow.
"You may think this is a foolish idea -- after all, we are
only stam Yidden, far from great. But that's the
point. Each of us has a great story to tell. We may have
missed a few signs along the way, but we got some right as
well. If we talk about Hashem's graciousness in our personal
lives, then maybe, just maybe, we will realize in our own
hearts that it's all true."
As a community leader and chairman of Britain's Rabbinical
Council of the Provinces, Rabbi Rubin also addresses issues
of communal responsibility. The effects of mass consumerism,
general morality, the environment, chinuch, derech
eretz and `youth at risk' all fall under his scrutinizing
gaze and elicit gentle wake-up calls.
Even when he points a finger, however, this rabbi does it
with tact and genuine compassion.
After more than two decades in kiruv as the rabbi of
what he terms `a centralist Orthodox community (whatever that
means),' Rabbi Rubin shares the results of his efforts to
promote the joy and satisfaction of Torah-true living.
He recalls the scene at his grandson's bar mitzva, a
simcha that coincided with his first 13 years of
service to his kehilla:
"My grandson stood in front of the aron kodesh,
together with me, and I spoke to him as I speak to all our
bar mitzva boys. There he stood, long silk bekeshe,
black Gerrer hat, gartel and a talis over his
head. This in a synagogue that was termed left-wing not so
many decades ago.
"There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Our communal friends
had learned to look beyond the beard and coat, beyond the
superficial references to the frummers.
"They shared in our simcha of the heart, of the
bringing together of generations. More than a few commented
on how `elegant' the bar mitzva boy looked. Elegant,
noch!
"One fellow told me, `Rabbi, for the first time in my life I
have seen a real bar mitzva boy. If only my kids would look
that way.'
"Wait a minute -- this is South Manchester talking! This is
the world that's so trendy it out-trends the trendsetters.
"But you see, this is what happens when you are real."
Rabbi Rubin is very real. The term `a Gutte Yid' fits
him perfectly, as he cares deeply for the welfare of his
fellow Jews. A Rabbi's Journal is the pick- me-up
we've all been waiting for.
