Reb Yaakov: The Life and Times of Hagaon Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky

by Yonason Rosenblum and Noson Rosenblum, Yonason;Kamenetsky

Book Overview

The inspiring life-story of Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0899064132
• ISBN13: 9780899064130
• Release Date: February 1993
• Publisher: Mesorah Publications, Limited
• Length: 404 Pages
• Weight: 1.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.2" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Gleaning the traits of a Torah Genius

There are very few wise men, people of encyclopedic knowledge with the skill to adapt their divinely given high IQ with the practical realities of whatever problems are at hand. Reb Yaakov was one of these rare individuals, a giant of the Orthodox Jewish Torah world. This biography eloquently captures how knowledge transforms to wisdom. The text divides into two parts of roughly equal length. Biographical information appears first. I found it comprehensive and interesting to see how much outright luck was involved in the Rabbi's transformation from an obscure genius in what might be described as a dead end town Rabbi's position to one of the most sought-after advisors of his generation. One mildly critical comment would be the absence of a glossary. Despite my familiarity with much of the terminology of Yiddish and Hebrew phrases and the context of religious ceremonies, I would have some reservations about recommending this generally fine work to a public high school class because too many key concepts remain obscure to the unfamiliar. Similarly, some of the parenthetical comments about anti-semites encountered in Reb Yaakov's Europe, while accurate, seem gratuitous when read. The text really shines in its second half when Rabbi Rosenblum copiously illustrates the character traits that makes a person worthy of guiding other people through their challenging times. Reb Yaakov happened to be a rabbi but he could have been a trusted physician or financial advisor or favorite teacher. The attitudes of advising based on one's real circumstances rather than formulas, chastising kindly, immpeccable honesty that prevails over momentary convenience and seeking out the best traits of other people have obvious universal utility. The manner in which Reb Yaakov was able to do this has something to teach the rest of us. Richard M. Plotzker, MD