cover image A Rabbi and His Dream: Building the Brotherhood Synagogue: A Memoir

A Rabbi and His Dream: Building the Brotherhood Synagogue: A Memoir

Irving J. Block, Arving J. Block. Ktav Publishing House, $29.5 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-88125-657-4

Retired rabbi Block recounts his often stormy 42 years in the rabbinate in this spirited autobiography. He founded the Brotherhood Synagogue in Greenwich Village, which shared facilities with a Presbyterian church. The congregations worked in singular harmony, reflecting Block's long-standing belief in interfaith collaboration. During his years as a rabbi for the Village Temple, the predecessor of the Brotherhood Synagogue, his ideas about religious unity and ecumenical cooperation were severely tested when the synagogue board insisted on moving out of these shared quarters. Although they did not move then, 20 years later when a minister hostile to Judaism took over the Presbyterian church, Block and his congregation were finally forced to move. The synagogue relocated to a building vacated by Quakers who had merged with another congregation. Block relates with humor and candor the differences of opinion that arose between he and the synagogue board, as well as the difficulties presented by the move to new quarters. Those who believe in community among religious groups will find insight and inspiration in this fine memoir. (May)