Andrew Kane

A quick but engrossing read. The story of Yankel, his family, and community, his thoughts, reasoning, doubts enables Kane to ambitiously portray the many facets of Judaism without being tedious, stodgy, or pedantic.

Rabbi, Rabbi describes the 3 main branches of Judaism as Orthodoxy, Conservative, and Reform; the complexities of how they differ, and view each other, and the sub-groups within each branch. More importantly is Yankel's keen perception and observation of everyone he meets in Brooklyn, or in his classes at university, or at social gatherings. He can see the petty agendas, alarming misconceptions, and inviolable intolerance in his family, community, and the many rabbis he meets in synagogues, or as his teachers, to anything or anyone who disagrees with or challenges them.

His perceptions and his intelligence drive Yankel to make independent decisions about his life, and not follow what is expected of him by his parents and community. But it doesn’t come easily to a normally compliant young man.

A very good read with lots to think about. Hard to put book down.… (meer)

Against a backdrop of racial tensions and spanning four decades, this book explores the entanglements of three lives: Joshua Eubanks, a young black man struggling to overcome the crime, drugs, and despair of the streets; Rachel Weissman, daughter of a Hassidic rabbi, wrestling pangs of rebelliousness against the insular and restrictive practices of her religion; and Paul Sims, the product of a privileged Long Island Jewish family, yearning to escape his troubled past.
Joshua first encounters Rachel in the local synagogue, where he works as an assistant to the custodian. Over the years that follow their bond intensifies, though their lives diverge. Rachel aspires to be a doctor, a blasphemous choice for a woman in her culture. Joshua kills a man in self defense, and is alienated from his own community. Paul leaves his home to find solace in the Hasidic enclave of Crown Heights.
From different worlds and unaware they share a father, Joshua and Paul see their lives collide in a quest for Rachel’s love. Through these and other challenges, culminating with 1991 Crown Heights riots, this story explores the tensions between two communities in close physical proximity, but still worlds apart. Through Joshua, Rachel, and Paul, a vision of hope is offered, but tempered by the realities of human frailty and tragedy.… (meer)