The Secret of Redemption
About
It is November 2013, nearly thirty years after Rabbi Levin taught and comforted refusenik families in the former Soviet Union and presided over the twinning of his bat mitzvah student, Simone Da Costa, with Sanna Tsivkin of Leningrad. Rabbi Levin is currently serving a synagogue in northern Manhattan which consists of a substantial number of Holocaust survivors. As his congregation observes the seventy-fifth anniversary of Kristallnacht, he is acutely aware of hatred of the other in America. Inequality, discrimination, segregation, violence against racial minorities, anti-Semitic incidents, and anti-immigrant bias were in full force. ICE was bearing down hard upon illegal immigrants. Many have taken refuge in religious institutions to avoid deportation and family separation. The ghosts of 1938 have reappeared on the synagogue’s doorstep. Both Kristallnacht and its aftermath and the plight of Soviet Jewry seem as if they had only happened yesterday.Thousands of miles away, Rabbi Levin’s daughter, Bracha, engages in graduate work at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and works for a human rights organization. She is on the front lines of the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict As a lover of Zion who is saddened by acts of terrorism perpetrated against her own people, she witnesses prejudice and violations of human rights and becomes disillusioned.A famous saying attributed to the Baal Shem Tov states that forgetfulness leads to exile, but remembrance is the secret of redemption. The upcoming observance of Kristallnacht sets off a chain of events which would lead to communal challenges and would move Rabbi Levin’s community work in an unpredictable direction. Bracha’s experiences would lead to serious questioning that would shape her career path. As both father and daughter embark upon a journey of remembrance, face the challenges of the present, and envision a brighter future for humanity, they discover the real secret of redemption.
Praise for this book
A bold narrative that confronts readers with uncomfortable truths and the intricacies of identity and religious conviction.
Jeffrey Gale’s provocative historical novel, The Secret of Redemption, takes readers to November 2013. Set against the backdrop of Rabbi Levin’s service in a northern Manhattan synagogue, which provides sanctuary to a significant number of Holocaust survivors, the narrative unfurls amidst societal upheaval and haunting echoes of past horrors.As the seventy-fifth anniversary of Kristallnacht looms, Rabbi Levin finds himself grappling with the resurgence of hatred and discrimination in America, stirring memories of darker times. Meanwhile, his daughter Bracha, immersed in graduate studies at Hebrew University and deeply engaged in human rights advocacy, confronts the intricate complexities of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Both father and daughter are ensnared in the web of history as past traumas intersect with present challenges, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths and navigate the tumultuous terrain of identity and belief.
At the heart of Gale’s narrative lies the pivotal saying of Jewish belief: “Forgetfulness leads to exile while remembrance is the secret of redemption.” This saying serves as a guiding light for Rabbi Levin and Bracha as they navigate through the complexities of their respective journeys, grappling with questions of memory, resilience, and the enduring quest for redemption.
Gale boldly delves into the deep-seated roots of anti-Semitism, weaving a narrative that spans continents and centuries. One striking example is the influence of figures like Professor Charles B. Davenport, whose association with the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York and the Eugenic Record Office perpetuated notions of racial superiority, ultimately influencing policies of sterilization and prejudice, even reaching the ears of President Theodore Roosevelt and inspiring the ideology of Adolf Hitler.
Gale’s novel is rich with history and theology, delving into uncomfortable truths that may challenge readers’ preconceptions. The narrative’s weighty exploration of history may prove daunting for some as it traverses countless references and events. Yet, amidst the complex interplay of historical forces, Gale masterfully examines the Jewish response to anti-Semitism, highlighting the conflicting attitudes within Rabbi Levin’s synagogue community. Nor is this exclusive to the Jewish community, as Rabbi Levin, intent on forming inter-faith communal relationships, discovers.
Like the famed literary figure Father Brown, Rabbi Levin is an untraditional religious leader who exudes quiet wisdom, something that others mistake for weakness. Far from being weak, Rabbi Levin is unafraid to follow his conscience, even when his actions are scrutinized by his synagogue and local community. Despite facing criticism, Rabbi Levin remains resolute in his beliefs while still acknowledging the perspectives of others, noting that: “Doubting is good for the human soul. Living with uncertainty is part of the human condition.”
As the characters grapple with questions of identity and resilience, the novel provokes introspection on the role of community and the nuanced balance between victimhood and empowerment. When does one begin, and the other end? Moreover, Gale adeptly examines the contrasting responses of nationalism and Zionism as reactions to anti-Semitism. From Rabbi Levin’s struggles in New York to Bracha’s encounters in Israel, separated by continents, father and daughter navigate parallel challenges. These challenges extend beyond them, as Gale deftly shows how anti-Semitism has occurred throughout history, alongside nationalism and bias, without end.
The Secret of Redemption is a profound exploration of the human condition, deftly navigating themes of prejudice, resilience, and the enduring quest for redemption. Gale’s narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths and fostering unity amidst diversity, ultimately inviting readers on a transformative journey through the corridors of history and the depths of the human spirit.
The Secret of Redemption is a work of fiction in the recent historical, religious, and slice-of-life subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Jeffrey Gale, this intriguing tale delves into the intertwined lives of Rabbi Levin and his daughter, Bracha, as they grapple with the echoes of historical trauma and contemporary injustices. Set against the backdrop of November 2013, the narrative explores Rabbi Levin's reflections on the seventy-fifth anniversary of Kristallnacht, juxtaposed with the challenges faced by his congregation in northern Manhattan. Meanwhile, Bracha, engaged in human rights work in Jerusalem, confronts the complexities of the Israel-Palestinian conflict and witnesses violations of human rights. As both father and daughter navigate their respective spheres, they confront prejudice, discrimination, and violence, prompting them to embark on a journey of remembrance and redemption.
Author Jeffrey Gale's narrative poignantly captures the intergenerational transmission of trauma and resilience, highlighting the importance of confronting the past to envision a more just and compassionate future. The character work is key in this accomplished novel and Gale achieves a huge sense of realism through the close narrative techniques as we get to know this extraordinary family. Their dialogue speaks volumes between the lines and allows ideas and concepts to build slowly and collaboratively so that readers never feel left behind or overwhelmed by the themes of the story. Through Rabbi Levin's and Bracha's experiences, the novel offers profound insights into the enduring power of remembrance as a catalyst for healing and transformation in the face of adversity, as well as a chance to see how ordinary people can engage with big ideas in a meaningful way. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Secret of Redemption as a deeply involved and thought-provoking drama for fans of recent history, culture, and religious topics.