Reviewing: “Lakewood and Lubavitch” by Rabbi Chaim Dalfin. JEP. Hardcover. ISBN-10: 0997909927. $35.

After years of research, Rabbi Chaim Dalfin, author of over 50 books including “Rav and Rebbe” and “The Real Shlomo,” has published another bestseller. He looks at the two largest Torah movements in the USA, Chabad-Lubavitch and Rabbi Aaron Kotler’s following in Lakewood, and examines the relationship between them. This book opens for the first time a detailed documented presentation of facts, not fiction, for the purpose of showing how far the two groups have come in uniting.

Chabad Lubavitch’s success stems from the Rebbe’s recognizing that to make an impact, Chabad had to move beyond its cloistered existence in Crown Heights. While Chabad seeks to establish Chabad Houses throughout the country, Lakewood seeks to establish kollels in small communities. While the method may differ, the end mission is united: in preserving, spreading and celebrating Torah. Thus Rabbi Dalfin sees that what unites us is stronger than what divides us. He recognizes that what is needed now is ahavat chinam, not sinat chinam, for petty fighting will only bring both communities down.

Rabbi Dalfin draws on his vast knowledge and brings to the attention of layman and scholar alike many personal stories and historical facts that speak for themselves. He investigates the relationship between the Rayatz and Rabbi Kotler. Each chapter provides the reader a window into greater understanding and knowledge regarding the two apparently disparate communities of Lakewood and Chabad-Lubavitch.

Rabbi Dalfin takes the reader by the hand on a journey into the world of pre-Holocaust Europe, the Vaad Hatzalah rescue committee headed by Rabbi Silver of the Agudah and the relocation of the Mir Yeshiva to Shanghai during the war, America of 1940-1962, Reb Shneur and Lubavitch 1962-1982, the Beis Medrash Govoha and Lubavitcher Yeshiva—exploring the character and lifestyles, legacy, history and practices of the two Jewish communities.

Rabbi Dr. Aaron Rakeffet, professor of rabbinic literature, Gruss Kollel (YU) Eretz Yisrael, said, “Rabbi Chaim Dalfin seems to enjoy taking journeys through the minefields. Among his previous published works are those devoted to Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach (‘The Real Shlomo’) and Rabbis Joseph B. Soloveitchik and Menachem Mendel Schneerson (‘Rav and Rebbe’).”

To purchase the book, email [email protected] or text 347-512-1429. Cost is $35 including shipping.