London Community Celebrates Launch of Rabbi’s New Book

100 people gathered at Chabad of Belgravia in Central London, directed by Shluchim Rabbi Mendel and Chana Kalmenson, as the community came together to celebrate the launch of Rabbi Kalmenson’s latest book, titled “People of the Word: 50 words that Shaped Jewish Thinking.”

The book, co-authored by Rabbi Zalman Abraham, and published jointly by Chabad.org and Ezra (an imprint of Kehos) provides fascinating insights into Jewish history, thought, culture, meaning, and practice, unpacking fifty key Hebrew words that have been mistranslated and misunderstood for centuries.

Each chapter takes the reader on an etymological journey into the big ideas that continue to shape Jewish thought, values, and culture to this day.

The book aims to convey the unique spirit of Judaic/Chasidic thought that sets it apart from its counterparts and popular society.

In the words of writer and journalist Bruria Efune, who recently interviewed the authors (the interview can be accessed here):

“A couple weeks ago I got asked to do a Q&A book review… I read the book and it was actually good. Like, really good. Cover to cover in one night good.

The book is full of treasures, using the real (and often forgotten) meanings of the Hebrew language to understand the Jewish people and the life philosophy that shaped us until now. It’s also full of great illustrative stories.”

Following a short trailer about the book, the crowd was addressed by prominent businessman and activist Mr. Vlad Bermant, who flew in from Israel to moderate the evening.

In his introductory remarks, Mr. Bermant shared the following: “People of the Word does the seemingly impossible – The book is broad and panoramic in scope, yet deep and probing. The book is eminently accessible, yet precise in its language and rooted in Scripture, with hundreds of meticulously sourced endnotes for the reader who wants to go further.”

He then introduced Mr. Sacha Gaydamak, the books sponsor and one of the founders of Chabad Belgravia, to share a few words about what inspired him to dedicate the book to a friend and fellow pillar of the community, Dovid Aminov, in honour of his 50th birthday: “People of the word is not just a book to be read out of interest for knowledge or curiosity, defining it as a dictionary would limit its true practical use, it is a manual to be used regularly and a call to refine through the use of our words our daily thought speech and actions.”

Rabbi Kalmenson then shared an overview of the book, highlighting both its philosophical/cultural contribution by sharing a growing body of research demonstrating the power of language to not only communicate but to shape our perception of reality, as well as its spiritual/mystical premise, namely that biblical Hebrew is the language Hashem used to create the world and hence Hebrew words are portals into the true meaning and purpose of things from the Divine perspective.

One of the attendees, Lauren A, later shared: “I work in an industry where words can overturn a desperate situation and yet I have never looked for the source of any of them. I started reading the book, how incredible it is when you discover the power of words.

The word “Challenge” had a particular resonance for me, because I had never realized that every challenge I faced was a vote of confidence from G-d that I had in myself the power to overcome it. How amazing it is when a few lines in a book change your perspective forever.”

The book has already garnered much praise from academics and public intellectuals.

According to Professor Tal Ben-Shachar, author of the “most popular course” in Harvard’s history:

“People of the Word beautifully illustrates how words create worlds and how concepts conceive. If you’d like to learn more about Judaism, and no less so about yourself, this splendid book is a must-read.”

In the words of Lisa Miller, who is a professor at Columbia University and the NYT bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain: “People of the Word condenses decades of learning into a clear roadmap for spiritual, ethical, and positive living. The Rabbis open up a dimension of human potential for a broad readership that has been held deep within Jewish wisdom. In short, an invitation to see and live in an added dimension.”

The evening concluded with a book signing, as many in the audience lined up to have their books signed and share words of congratulation with their Rabbi.

For more information about the book click here, and one can purchase the book here.