Holy Brother: Inspiring Stories and Enchanted Tales about Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach

by Yitta Halberstam Mandelbaum, Elie Wiesel (Foreword)

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach was one of the most original and inspired Jewish personalities of the twentieth century. In this incredible volume, Yitta Halberstam Mandelbaum, a devoted student of Reb Shlomo, gathers dozens of stories about this charismatic, loving Jewish leader. The episodes retold here by Reb Shlomo's followers and admirers underscore his unfailing generosity, his capacity to love unconditionally, and his desire to reconnect every Jew with his or her heritage. As a whole, the collection reveals how many individuals were touched by Reb Shlomo, and serves as a moving tribute to the man many consider a tzaddik (righteous one).

Genres: Jewish

208 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1977

Reviews

[Kressel Housman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Reb Shlomo's stories and watching videos of him telling them, but a book of stories about him is just as inspiring and special. Sometimes the book seemed hagiographic, and there was one story about a stewardess and her fiance that was just too pat for me to believe, but many of these stories were told by people I know, and I absolutely believe them. My favorite chapter was on Reb Shlomo's relationship with the homeless, which was naturally called "The Holy Beggars of West End Avenue." I wish I had known the author when she was interviewing her contributors because I have two stories that would have fit under that chapter. So despite the hagiography, I am floored. Reb Shlomo really was a hidden tzaddik! May Hashem continue to lift him while we on earth feel his influence.

[Yakov Bronsteyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been so long but I’m almost positive that I read this book. I have very faint recollections of the stories told and assume I went all the way.

Anyway, if one wants to have an example of how to love other people and inspire them this is the inspiration that will do it.

[Esti · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all the chaos in the world, and the constant barrage of bad news in Israel, I needed something positive and uplifting to enjoy over Shabbat. This book has been on my shelf for a long time and I'm glad I took it down. I love Reb Shlomo's music and was part of the "Happy Minyan" in Los Angeles for a number of years. It's inspiring to read people's recollections of him and how he made the world a better place. Sometimes the stories are a bit over the top, but all in all I'm left with a feeling of awe at how this man touched so many lives. (Definitely better than reading Deborah Lipstadt's "The Eichman Trials", which I started some months back)

[Mark Klempner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It is a treasure trove of stories about the great spiritual figure Shlomo Carlebach. The stories are very well organized with the themed chapters and all. Sometimes I wish the author had an appreciation for the power of understatement because sometimes the accounts were a bit gushy and hyperbolic without needing to be. But it is such a valuable collection that I am giving it five stars anyway.

[Dan Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book for anyone interested in an account of a modern zaddik—a Jewish holy man. For those who had some contact with Shlomo, it is "not to be missed" account of how truly extraordinary he was. I saw him three times in concert and was very moved. This book helped me to understand just how great and amazing a man he was.

Here are so many unbelievable stories of love and miracles-good for readers of all faiths and no faith. Beautifully written too.

[Ronald · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that I wouldn't have been aware of had it not have been bought to my attention by Mrs Levene of Levene's Judaica 5th Ave NY. The book comprises short inspiring and true stories of the late Rebbe Shlomo Carlbach. It is a heart warming read of kind acts, faith and trust about a generous and very special man.

[Susan Rothenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a collection of memories of people who had know Rabbi Shlomo Carlbach and upon whom the rabbi had a lasting effect. The tales are profoundly moving. If only half of them are accurate, he truly was a holy man. Read it a secong time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.