Description
Book SynopsisRabbi Shlomo Carlebach—a man considered the most influential composer of Jewish religious music of the 20th century and a progenitor of the modern neo-Hasidic renaissance—is the focus of this systematic study. The book presents a scholarly analysis of his teachings, innovations, and music and examines Carlebach’s life and career via the prism of the historical and cultural developments of his time, including the Holocaust, the Six-Day War, the hippie phenomenon, the New Age movement, and other events that were channeling the course of Jewish life. It also attempts to understand the roots of the Carlebach phenomenon and its wide-range appeal, but above all, this book provides a new framework to evaluate and appreciate the unique form of heartfelt Judaism, joyful optimism, and soulful rejuvenation that Shlomo Carlebach inspired.
Trade Review"At last, a carefully researched and meticulously annotated biography of Shlomo Carlebach. A must-read for anyone interested in Reb Shlomo and his legacy." -- Professor Jonathan D Sarna, author, "American Judaism: A History"
"Dr Ophir worked tirelessly, not only collecting and organising data on three continents, but gained the trust of hundreds of people who told him their experiences with Reb Shlomo. The result is a documentary history that promises to be the definitive biographical study of Reb Shlomo's life and career." -- Professor Shaul Magid, Jay & Jeannie Schottenstein Professor of Modern Judaism, Indiana University
