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Friday, July 5, 2024
Book Review: The Secret of Redemption
The Secret of Redemption by Jeffrey Gale Genre: Historical Fiction / Jewish ISBN: 9798887937595 Print Length: 418 pages Reviewed by Lauren Hayataka Jeffrey Gale's provocative historical novel, The Secret of Redemption, takes …
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.
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