The Rebbe's Army: Inside the World of Chabad-Lubavitch

This comprehensive and detailed review of the Chabad Lubavitch Movement's outreach in the United States once again reveals the secret of the success of all such social change movements: a charismatic leader whose power is so generative that it extends beyond his physical presence, and a large group of selfless, dedicated followers. We've seen this over and over again on the national and world scale, yet the present book has a great deal to add to our understanding; it presents the details and process of many of the thousands of individual emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe as they move to their communities of service and reach out, at what some would call great personal sacrifice but which they regard as an inspiring lifetime committment, to perfecting the world according to the teachings of the Rebbe, Chasidism and love of one's fellow man, and the values of the Torah. These values drive and inspire each husband and wife team's actions from the first years of their marriage through the mature years of their social and spiritual services to individuals and the community.Despite the modesty of the author, she has also captured the essence of the Chabad philosophy of man's existence in a tightly-written first chapter thought worthy enough to be excerpted by the New York Times Book Review.The organization, though Jewish in philosophy and rabbinical in leadership, serves non-Jews as well with its focus on the abiding Noachide ethics given to all mankind, and with msny non-sectarian institutions, including drug treatment centers, nursery schools, and other social services.With deep insight and considerable close study, Sue Fischkoff has provided an admirable description and tour that can be a guide and inspiration to the reader. The book is both highly enjoyable and eminently readable and carries my highest recommendation.

Fascinating behind the scenes look at the Chabad Movement in America and elsewhere. It seems to be a fair and accurate portrayal of this orthodox sect. It neither applauds their thinking and actions or criticizes it. I found it to be very informative and interesting, and I hardly ever read non fiction.

Even though I am not a Chabadnik, I was honored to meet some shluchim from all over the world. It is sometimes very difficult to do what you have to do, even when you are 100% right it is what you must do. I know life is not a piece of cake for the shluchim (as the book points out, they sometimes lack food or education for their own families in faraway places or very secular communities), but somehow they achieve the most unbelievable goals.The author has been able to capture the essence of the chabadnik and the entire movement. Each chapter deals with a different and distinctive subject that is relevant for Lubavitch.The book is a page turner. Right from the get go, you feel part of all the shluchim and rabbis'lives.To finish, I would like to thank the author because she brought back memories from my childhood when Chabad arrived to my hometown (Montevideo, Uruguay). I definitely owe a BIG chunk of my Jewish education to Chabad and to the shluchim in Uruguay, Rabbi Eliezer & Rochi Shemtov (one of Rabbi Avraham Shemtov's sons).Chanaps 1: How do they pay for so many plane tickets?

This books is eminently enjoyable as far as content goes. I really enjoyed it for many of the reasons highlighted here. However, I do have one complaint I did not see mentioned here for whatever reason. The margins for this book are TERRIBLE.I don't know if it's simply my copy or everyone's, but it is VERY hard to read. There is a decent margin in all areas except for the one closest to the binding. The text practically slips down into that area and is almost impossible to make out most words near there without really pulling the book open. I was worried I was going to break the binding! I have arthritis in my hands and wrists and I have to take breaks after each chapter due to my hands starting to ache or because they have gone numb from how I have to hold the book. Binding is strong, however, because it's put up with this nonsense out of me. And the book itself is great so I'm not deducting a star for a publishing problem, not unless the book itself had fallen apart.Has anyone else had this problem? Perhaps a correction for future editions?

I read the review by "brooklynboy" and found it to be very negative and untrue. I consider it to be more of a personal attack on Chabad rather then a review. I have found "The Rebbe's Army" to be inspiring and a great insight to my almost lost Jewish Heritage. I purchased this book after meeting Rabbi ShmuelFuss, his charming wife, Tzipora (also an awesome cook) and their young son Mendel. They were given my name and number from a mutual friend, they called, came over and the rest has changed my life in a very positive manner. Contrary to "brooklynboy's" review I have never heard a negative word from this Chabad Rabbi who I now consider it an honor to call "Friend" & "Teacher." I will go further to say that if every leader of every country thought as the members of Chabad do or treat others as they do everyone they meet the world would be a much better place. The book writen by a non-Orthodox Jew touches the hear and soul with her experiences and interviews. The book has depth and tells us of Chabad's determination & dedication to reach & teach Judaism to every Jew they meet. It has been very helpful with my weekly studies with Rabbi Fuss. Sue Fishkoff's book is "food for thought" and a must read for all Jews and those interested in learning about the Jewish faith.Sincerely & Respectfully,Manuel (manny)[email protected]

good book. not brilliant, but very readable. particularly interesting since it was written by a female, tackling what is basically a male-dominated, anti-female society.

This is a very interesting book. The Rebbe was a great man and his followers are admirable people. I recommend this boo to all those who are interested in Judaism and who want to know more about Chabad.

I couldn't put this book down. It describes in excellent (without excessive) detail the origins of the Lubavitch/ Hassid movement, and follows several of the shlichim around the US. It slightly touches on the international aspect of the movement, but not from the author's experience which is a shame.The book is written so well - it draws the reader into wondering how there could be a more kind and thoughtful way of life anywhere else, and then there's the twist at the end of the book (Messianism and divisions). I didn't know much about the Rebbe or Lubavitch before reading the book and now feel I have a good insight.The book starts with the question "Why do observant and non observant Jews and non Jews like the Lubavitch so much?" and answers the questions very well.

Sue is a journalist, and gives a very balanced view of Chabad world, both their amazing strengths and some of less beautiful. It gives probably the best picture of world wide phenomena known as Chabad you find anywhere. The author claims to love these people but at the same time, is not part of them. The book follows the movement around the world, looking at the political, social, ideological, and behavior endeavors. Fishkoff also shows us the Chabad inventiveness, their willingness to adapt and adopt even while they maintain strict rigidness to ultra orthodox. What I found exciting is that the book has a certain story flavor to it, each chapter tells another story about the Chabad, and other aspect of these complex communities. The book isn't about theology per say, although there are scattered points at which it covers some their theological thinking, rather this is a book about a people driven by religious goals and ambitions, and how against the odds they are succeeding. As such, it does at times, bring us inside the mind of the Chabad.I couldn't help thinking I was reading about 1800th century Christian missionary movement. The same dynamic, thousands of young couples travelling off to create anew in all corners of the globe.