100 people gathered at Chabad of Belgravia in Central London, run by Shluchim Rabbi Mendel and Chana Kalmenson, as the community came together to celebrate the launch of Rabbi Kalmenson’s latest book, titled “A Time To Heal: The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Response to Loss and Tragedy.”
The book, published jointly by Chabad.org and Ezra (an imprint of Kehos) is a beautiful compilation which explores the Rebbe’s reactions and guidance to many tragic events that took place in the Jewish community over the four decades of his leadership, highlighting the manner in which the Rebbe incorporated both staunch and unequivocal faith in the ways of Hashem and deep compassion for mankind.
Following a short film about the Rebbe, the crowd was addressed by Dr Marc Glaser, a prominent Professor of High energy and Emeritus Chief of Cancer services at Imperial College, and honorary consultant in clinical oncology at Imperial College hospitals.
Dr Glaser gave a fascinating talk emphasising the corroboration of the Rebbe’s spiritual teachings about healing with his medical findings throughout his illustrious career. He also drew parallels between the thinking of the Rambam and the Rebbe and the special reverence and affinity that the Rebbe displayed towards the Rambam.
Professor Glaser recalled a conversation he had with Rabbi Kalmenson’s father, the renowned Rosh Yeshivah and Mechaber Sefarim, when he once visited. “I expressed my profound regret at having missed an opportunity to meet the Lubavitcher Rebbe at the time I was teaching at Stanford University. Rabbi Kalmenson’s father then said words I have not forgotten, “You will get to know the Rebbe through his Shliach, my son.”
In the words of Sonia S: “I felt the reverberations of the Rebbe’s light all around us this evening! A truly memorable moment! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
Following the lecture by Dr. Glaser, Rabbi Kalmenson highlighted three themes from the book including the Eternality of the Soul, the importance of empathy and sensitivity when comforting others in the aftermath of their loss, and the Rebbe’s consistently optimistic message despite dark and difficult times.
Also in attendance was the executive director of Maggie’s Cancer Support Centres throughout the UK, who said,“It was a real pleasure to hear the talks and really connect with the importance of optimism, as we so often fail to understand that this is important to our daily lives and is not the same as how we are often asked to crush, in the fear that we are encouraging ‘false hope.'”
Representatives from the Jewish Chronicle, Daily Mail and Telegraph and Christian Herald were present as well, and the Jewish chronicle featured a writeup about the event in that weeks paper.
The evening concluded with cocktails and canapés, as many in the audience lined up to have their books signed and share words of congratulation with their Rabbi.
(Since speaking for his own community, Rabbi Kalmenson has lectured about the Rebbe’s teachings on healing at Chabad of West Hampstead, Lake Tahoe and North Hollywood.)
R’ Mendel does amazing work and his current book is a much-needed addition to every Jewish library.
Just was menachem avel and the avel was holding his book , raving about it.
Reb Mendel is such a warm person. So gifted, and he uses his talents to make such a Huge Kidush Shem Lubavitch.
God should continue to bless him and his wonderful family.
Mendel, your dedication to your Shlichus, incredible talents, and most importantly, your humility, make you a true role model! Much continued success!
Rabbi Mendel Kalmenson is a gifted author and shliach. We have given dozens of his books as gifts to people. Our friends and community members have thoroughly enjoyed and connected to the wisdom he imparts, both as an author and as a captivating speaker. The outreach work that he and his wife, Chana, are doing in Belgravia is incredible, and we are inspired by their devotion!
I went to hear Rabbi Kalmenson in North Hollywood. He is so gifted, and his message- the wisdom of the rebbe- is transformative. He is very accomplished, but comes across humble and refined. Waiting for his next book!