Journey to Jerusalem, by Rabbi Moshe Goldstein

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Journey to Jerusalem
The Historic Visit of the Minchas Eluzar of Munkacs zt"l and the Saba Kadisha zt"l
By Rabbi Moshe Goldstein
Artscroll History Series
Mesorah Publications, New York: 2009
ISBN 10: 1-4226-0886-7
ISBN 13: 978-1-4226-0886-9

Reviewed by Boris Segel - March 30, 2009

In 1930 an extraordinary meeting took place in Jerusalem between two of the greatest minds and Torah scholars of the time - Harav Chaim Eluzar Shapira, the Munkacser Rebbe and Harav Shlomo Eliezer Elefandri, the Saba Kadisha (Holy Elder). Journey to Jerusalem offers readers of English an eyewitness account of this historic meeting and the various topics that were discussed, from matters of Torah to the growing unrest in Europe and what it might mean for Jews.

This timeless book was written by Rabbi Moshe Goldstein, Munkacs Chassid, who traveled with the Rebbe on his Journey from Czechoslovakia to Jerusalem, and who kept a detailed diary of the trip and the historic meetings which took place between one of the leading Chassidic scholars in Europe and the leading Sephardic scholar of Torah and Kabbalah. In addition, to the original text of this book, this English edition has been augmented by the inclusion of biographies of these noble gedolei. This book also includes a treasure trove of pictures taken during this momentous occasion.

At the time of the meeting, the Saba Kadisha was at least 100 years old, so there was no question of the Saba Kadisha traveling to meet Minchas Eluzar of Munkacs, so the Minchas Eluzar of Munkacs went to Eretz Yisrael to meet with the Saba Kadisha, it was a trip of a lifetime - and a meeting to inspire and invigorate the generations to come! Rabbi Goldstein's detail account of the meeting makes you feel as if you had traveled back in time and witnessed this momentous event first hand.

Journey to Jerusalem is, in a way, two books in one. On one hand, it is an outstanding history book that introduces the reader to two phenomenal figures in Jewish history and which gives you a peek into life in Eretz Yisrael in 1930. On the other hand, this is a spiritually uplifting and inspirational book that will inspire you to greater heights in all aspects of your life, from learning to prayer. This is a book that you will treasure and enjoy sharing with your children. Most important, this is a book that you are likely to read time and time again, each time coming away with a deeper understanding of these two outstanding Tzaddikim, and their unbridled passion for Torah and their fellow Jews.

Related Reviews:

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The Road to Greatness of Rebbetzin Chaya Sara Kramer. This book is more than just a biography of this remarkable tzeddekes, it is also a guide that will lead you to greater spiritual heights.
Traveling with the Maggid, by Rabbi Paysach J. Krohn.
A Journey to Great Torah Centers of Yesteryear - Part history and part travelogue, this amply illustrated book takes readers on an inspirational tour of the great Yeshivot of pre-war Eastern Europe.

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