Praise

The Secret of Redemption by Jeffrey Gale
Just like Jeffrey Gale’s first book, The Ballad of East and West, Gale writes rich drawn out characters that I feel as if I know them and those I would want to meet, have a cup of coffee, share ideals while seated in a café.
The central character is Rabbi Isaac Levin of Congregation Rodef Tzedek. Jeffrey Gale has created a rabbi whose convictions and beliefs are based on the tradition of the old world mingled with today’s understanding of inclusion and acts of Tikun Olam, repairing the world. Although Rabbi Levin has years of experience, he is no meek little old rabbi ready to be put out to pasture. Gale opens with a quote by Elie Wiesler “Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory, there would be no civilization, no society, no future.” The Secret of Redemption exemplifies that quote.
Gale weaves fact with fiction with ease as the story moves from past to present and is easy to follow. While the story has additional narratives including, Kristallnacht, B’nai Mitzvah, his family, etcetera, they manage to come together like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle that the reader puts together.
The scenes, particularly those involving the temple places me in the middle of the service. But the other scenes of Rabbi Levin working with the children touched my heart.
I appreciate that Jeffrey Gale takes time to describe the sanctuary, his flat, the rooms at the church, and other locations. I actually felt the smallness of the mini-suite for Amelia and her family. I am a visual reader. I have to know the people and the places. Jeffrey Gale provides that.
Although the story centers on religion, it does not dwell just on Judaism. Gale incorporates other cultures and how they relate and how they should relate without preaching.
My advice, brew a cup of tea and read The Secret of Redemption by Jeffrey Gale. You might not be able to read it in a single sitting, I couldn’t because I kept placing book marks in the pages I wanted to go back and re-read again. In some cases, was to disagree with the characters actions, re-learn some of the historical facts and to enjoy some of the quotes particularly the comparison between being deported and Adam and Eve.

The Secret of Redemption
Rabbi Isaac Levin has spent a lifetime demonstrating his commitment to human rights. The name of his faith community is Rodef Tzedek, or Pursuer of Justice. He is the embodiment of this name as he works tirelessly and with heart and conviction to bring about justice, fairness, and equality to all. He exhibits courage and fearlessness in his quest to meet this goal. With meticulous detail, Gale strives to ensure that the reader understands the recurring leit-motifs of politics, law, and history interwoven with his personal story. Gale describes real life historical and political events with the precision and accuracy of a surgeon, interweaving them with the lived experience of his characters. He takes the reader on a journey over time lines and continents as he reflects on early events in his career path and introduces the reader to his adult children.. He deftly imparts the beauty of Jewish prayer and ritual in a way that is meaningful. In his first novel, The Ballad of East and West, he conveyed the commitment and compassion with which he practices his faith. In The Secret of Redemption, we meet the mature Rabbi Levin, a man who reflects on his lifetime of experience in being a pursuer of justice. At the same time, he relates the story of his daughter Bracha as she embarks on her own unique path. Bracha's full name is Bracha Shulamith, translated as “blessing of peace.” The book describes how father and daughter, in their own ways, look beyond boundaries, borders, and fences while building bridges between people of varied faiths and backgrounds. At times, the text reads like a tome, laden with the heaviness of history, of a world laden with chaos, darkness and pain. However, in the end, the reader is left with the sense that as long as there are people like Rabbi Levin and Bracha, people of courage and commitment to greater ideals, there is hope for healing, light, and peace to emerge and to triumph.

A Human Rights Odyssey: From Dreams Deferred to Reconciliation is a profound and compelling work that traces the complex evolution of human rights movements from their early, often frustrated beginnings to the challenging process of modern-day reconciliation. The author masterfully avoids a dry, academic tone, instead crafting a narrative that is both meticulously researched and deeply personal. The first section, "Dreams Deferred," is a sobering look at the historical and political setbacks that have plagued the fight for justice, highlighting the immense courage of activists and the painful reality of institutional failure. This section provides a crucial foundation, grounding the reader in the historical struggles that have shaped our present. The latter half, "Reconciliation," offers a powerful and necessary shift in focus. Here, the book delves into the difficult but essential work of healing, memory, and accountability. It explores various models of reconciliation, from truth and justice commissions to community-based dialogue, and does so with a nuanced understanding of their successes and limitations. Ultimately, this book is a vital contribution to the literature on social justice, serving as both an unflinching history and a hopeful guide for the path forward. It is a must-read for students, activists, and anyone who believes in the possibility of a more just world.

A Human Rights Odyssey
This is a beautifully written book that follows Rabbi Isaac Levin’s spiritual journey. We learn about the pivotal events that helped to shape his activism from his Civil Rights Era in St. Louis to his interfaith work in the past 9/11 in America. There are themes throughout the book that include morals, social justice, learning, tolerance, empathy, and having mentors. Levin was in a variety of difficult situations but leaned on his faith and we learned as his spiritual growth continued and his relationships deepened. He had some great mentors that helped him on his journey. I really enjoyed this book!

A Human Rights Odyssey
The way the story connects personal experiences with major historical events, like the Civil Rights Movement, the tragedy of 9/11, and the injustices in Ferguson and Winnipeg, is brilliant. It’s a powerful testament to the importance of empathy, lifelong learning, and building bridges across different cultures and faiths. The book's message of embracing "the wonderful diversity of humanity" is a necessary and heartfelt plea.

A Human Rights Odyssey
This book touched my heart. The first part of the book was my favorite, because it mixes history with personal stories. I learned about real people who worked for human rights with courage and hope.
The writing is clear and full of emotion. This part made me think about my own role in making the world better. It gave me hope that reconciliation is possible when people listen, care, and act together for a fair future.

This book is primarily set in the 1980's, when the practice of "twinning" bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah students from the west, with those of "refusenik" family in the Soviet Union, was, sadly, necessary to gain their freedom. With a few name changes, and only slight poetic license, the author tells the gripping tale of how his actual congregation in London twinned their first bat mitzvah student with a Russian Jewish 13 year old girl, not able to partake in a bat mitzvah of her own. The rabbi was able to travel, for about 8 days, to the former Soviet Union and actually meet the "twin" of the bat mitzvah student from London. The trials and near-misses he experienced during his travels in Russia, and the cunning he used to take Jewish books and Hebrew language learning tools in the eastern block country makes for a great story. Frankly, as time passed, I had forgotten about the custom of "twinning." This book brought it all into light and with greater focus and meaning. The author has lived in the United States, Canada and England. His world travels, and experiences abroad, are shown in the excelling writing in this compelling book

This is a story that is beautifully told. It reminds us of a time in recent history that impacts all of us today. The writing is simple and powerful. The message is clear. It is incumbent on everyone to read it and remember the story of the Refuseniks.

This book reminds us that the time and place in which we are born can be a blessing or a curse depending on the political atmosphere. The story of being willing to put one's life on the line in order to help those caught in the web of political conflict makes for an exciting read. I recommend this book highly.

This is an historical fiction version of the author's life. It recounts many of has experiences starting in high school through his years as a rabbi into the 2010s. He develops the parallels of people from a variety of backgrounds (racial, religious, social economic status, ethnic, etc.) who have experienced prejudice not only in the USA but also in Canada and other countries where he has lived and visited. I found it to be a thought-provoking and engaging piece of literature. It was sometimes emotional to read as I reflected on my similar life experiences. It is quite clear how his life journey caused him to become a different kind of (and I hope not unique) religious leader. It is well worth reading.

The Ballad of East and West is a deeply moving and historically grounded narrative that illuminates one of the most pressing moral struggles of the late twentieth century the plight of Soviet Jews under oppressive rule. Jeffrey Gale captures the essence of faith under fire, portraying not only the political tension of the era but also the endurance of the human spirit when faced with persecution.

Through the eyes of Rabbi Isaac Levin, Gale delivers a story steeped in courage and conviction. What stands out most is the book’s balance between historical authenticity and emotional truth. The novel isn’t merely a retelling of Cold War history it’s a testament to the resilience of people who refused to abandon their faith and identity, even when silenced.

Gale’s prose is vivid and empathetic, blending the tension of clandestine missions with the intimacy of personal faith. His portrayal of the “refusenik” movement feels both educational and deeply personal, transforming history into a living, breathing act of remembrance.

The Ballad of East and West is not just historical fiction, it’s an anthem of conscience, compassion, and community. A necessary read for anyone who values freedom, dignity, and the quiet heroism of belief.

Jeffrey Gale’s A Human Rights Odyssey is one of those rare novels that transcends genre. It reads like both a moving memoir and a moral compass for our times. Through the eyes of Rabbi Isaac Levin, Gale gives us not only the story of one man’s spiritual and ethical awakening but also a mirror reflecting the struggles of an entire generation seeking justice, inclusion, and understanding.

From the Civil Rights era in St. Louis to the haunting aftermath of 9/11, every chapter hums with authenticity. The historical references are vivid and well-researched, yet never heavy-handed. Instead, Gale blends personal growth with historical consciousness, reminding readers that activism begins in empathy and grows through experience.

What struck me most was the tenderness with which Gale portrays interfaith relationships and cross-cultural friendships. Isaac’s journey, his mentorships, his encounters with pain and prejudice, and his steadfast hope, feels deeply human. This isn’t just a novel about social justice; it’s a novel about connection, memory, and reconciliation.

In an age often marked by division, A Human Rights Odyssey reminds us that bridges can still be built, and compassion can still change lives. It’s a book that lingers, challenging the reader to live a little kinder, listen a little deeper, and believe that progress, though slow, is possible.

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CommentJeffrey Gale’s A Human Rights Odyssey is one of those rare novels that transcends genre. It reads like both a moving memoir and a moral compass for our times. Through the eyes of Rabbi Isaac Levin, Gale gives us not only the story of one man’s spiritual and ethical awakening but also a mirror reflecting the struggles of an entire generation seeking justice, inclusion, and understanding.

From the Civil Rights era in St. Louis to the haunting aftermath of 9/11, every chapter hums with authenticity. The historical references are vivid and well-researched, yet never heavy-handed. Instead, Gale blends personal growth with historical consciousness, reminding readers that activism begins in empathy and grows through experience.

What struck me most was the tenderness with which Gale portrays interfaith relationships and cross-cultural friendships. Isaac’s journey, his mentorships, his encounters with pain and prejudice, and his steadfast hope, feels deeply human. This isn’t just a novel about social justice; it’s a novel about connection, memory, and reconciliation.

In an age often marked by division, A Human Rights Odyssey reminds us that bridges can still be built, and compassion can still change lives. It’s a book that lingers, challenging the reader to live a little kinder, listen a little deeper, and believe that progress, though slow, is possible.

November 3, 2025
Jeffrey Gale’s A Human Rights Odyssey is a beautifully written, deeply humane exploration of one man’s lifelong pursuit of justice and understanding. Rabbi Isaac Levin’s journey is epic in scope yet intimate in emotion, stretching across decades and continents, from St. Louis to Winnipeg, Moscow to Long Island. Each locale feels alive with history, each experience layered with meaning.

What makes this book stand out is its emotional intelligence. Gale captures the heart of what it means to serve others, to bear witness to suffering, and to find faith amid doubt. Levin’s encounters, with the oppressed, the misunderstood, and the hopeful, form a mosaic of human resilience.

I was especially moved by Gale’s portrayal of friendship between Levin and his African American classmate, a thread that endures across decades and becomes the emotional anchor of the story. Their bond symbolizes the unity that is possible when people meet in honesty and love rather than fear.

Gale’s prose is lyrical but precise, and his pacing allows moments of silence and reflection to carry as much weight as the dialogue. Every chapter feels crafted with care and moral purpose. By the end, I felt changed, more aware of history’s echoes, more grateful for the people who refuse to turn away.

This is a book for anyone who believes stories can still heal us. It’s not just a narrative, it’s a legacy.

A Human Rights Odyssey: From Dreams Deferred to Reconciliation is a deeply moving and thoughtfully constructed novel that explores the lifelong moral awakening of Rabbi Isaac Levin against the backdrop of pivotal historical events. Jeffrey Gale masterfully situates personal growth within social upheaval, reminding readers that history is not something we simply observe, it is something we live through, shape, and respond to. From the opening pages, the novel establishes a tone of reflection, empathy, and quiet urgency that remains consistent throughout.

What makes this book especially compelling is the authenticity of Isaac Levin’s journey. His transformation from a socially unaware teenager into a compassionate and globally minded religious leader feels earned and believable. Gale does not portray him as flawless or heroic from the outset; instead, we witness a gradual deepening of awareness shaped by friendships, mentorships, and painful encounters with injustice. This realism allows readers to see themselves in Isaac’s questions, doubts, and moral struggles.

The novel’s expansive geographic and cultural scope is another major strength. Gale seamlessly moves the reader from the American Civil Rights Movement to Soviet Russia, from Canadian Indigenous communities to post-9/11 Long Island. Each setting is handled with respect and nuance, reinforcing the idea that human rights are universal and interconnected. These experiences never feel episodic or disconnected; rather, they form a coherent moral arc that underscores the cost, and necessity, of standing up for others.

Ultimately, this book is both heartwarming and challenging. It asks readers to consider what it truly means to live a life of conscience and service. A Human Rights Odyssey is not only a powerful work of fiction, but also an invitation to empathy, dialogue, and action. It lingers long after the final page and deserves a wide and thoughtful readership.

Jeffrey Gale’s A Human Rights Odyssey is a beautifully written meditation on faith in action and the lifelong pursuit of justice. Through the eyes of Rabbi Isaac Levin, the novel explores how deeply personal experiences intersect with major historical moments to shape one’s moral identity. Gale’s prose is calm, reflective, and emotionally grounded, allowing readers to absorb the weight of each experience without feeling overwhelmed.

Isaac Levin is a protagonist who feels profoundly human. His compassion is not instantaneous, but cultivated over decades through encounters with suffering, inequality, and courage. Particularly moving is the enduring interracial friendship that anchors much of his emotional growth. This relationship serves as a powerful symbol of what is possible when understanding replaces fear and genuine connection transcends social barriers.

The novel’s strength lies in its ability to address heavy themes, racism, religious persecution, cultural displacement, without becoming didactic. Gale trusts the reader to engage thoughtfully with these issues, presenting them through lived experiences rather than moral lectures. Whether Isaac is tutoring children, advocating for prisoners, or supporting marginalized communities, the narrative emphasizes presence, listening, and responsibility.

By the end of the book, A Human Rights Odyssey feels less like a story that has concluded and more like a conversation that continues. It inspires reflection on how each of us responds to injustice in our own lives. This is a meaningful, compassionate novel that offers hope without ignoring reality—and one that readers will return to again and again.

A Human Rights Odyssey stands out as a novel that combines historical awareness with emotional depth and spiritual insight. Jeffrey Gale crafts a narrative that is as intellectually engaging as it is emotionally resonant. Through Rabbi Isaac Levin’s life story, the novel traces decades of social change while maintaining a deeply personal focus that keeps the reader invested.

One of the most impressive aspects of this book is Gale’s attention to character development. Isaac’s growth is subtle but powerful, shaped by mentors who challenge him and communities that broaden his worldview. His experiences reveal how empathy is learned, not inherited, and how moral courage is often built through small, consistent acts rather than grand gestures.

The international scope of the novel adds richness and credibility to its message. By taking readers across borders and cultures, Gale demonstrates that the struggle for dignity and justice is not confined to one place or people. Each setting adds a new layer to Isaac’s understanding of humanity and reinforces the novel’s central theme: that compassion must be practiced globally as well as locally.

This book is ultimately a tribute to the idea that reconciliation is possible, even after profound pain. A Human Rights Odyssey offers readers both comfort and challenge, reminding us that growth is lifelong and responsibility unavoidable. It is an inspiring and necessary read for anyone interested in faith, history, and the enduring power of human connection.

Jeffrey Gale’s A Human Rights Odyssey is a quietly powerful novel that speaks to the conscience without preaching. Through the reflective voice of Rabbi Isaac Levin, the story unfolds as a lifelong examination of justice, identity, and moral responsibility. The writing is elegant and restrained, allowing the emotional weight of events to emerge naturally.

The novel excels in portraying how historical tragedies ripple through individual lives. Events such as racial violence, religious discrimination, and cultural marginalization are not treated as distant headlines, but as lived realities that demand response. Isaac’s internal reflections during these moments make the reader pause and consider how easily one can remain passive, and how necessary it is to resist that passivity.

Gale’s portrayal of faith is especially nuanced. Religion in this novel is not about certainty or superiority, but about service, humility, and ethical obligation. Isaac’s rabbinical role becomes a lens through which compassion is practiced across faiths and cultures, reinforcing the book’s message of bridge-building rather than division.

In the end, A Human Rights Odyssey is a deeply affirming novel. It reassures readers that while injustice may persist, so too does the capacity for empathy and change. This is a book that enriches the mind, moves the heart, and encourages a more thoughtful engagement with the world. It is a meaningful addition to contemporary socially conscious fiction.