“Many will now begin to properly study this holy book [Nefesh HaChaim].” Read more
Rabbi Hershel Schachter Rosh Yeshiva of Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, Yeshiva University.
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“We owe Avinoam Fraenkel an immense debt of gratitude for a monumental labour of scholarship. Truly this is a work by which, at every level, we are enriched.” Read more
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Former Chief Rabbi, the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth.
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“R. Avinoam Fraenkel … has proven at length … that everyone agrees that the concept of Tzimtzum is not to be understood literally and that the Rabbis did not argue over the principles of our faith.” Read more
Rabbi Yitzchok Meir Morgenstern Rosh Yeshiva Toras Chochom, Jerusalem.
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“Rav Fraenkel’s … translation and elucidation of the Nefesh HaChaim is outstanding.” Read more
Rabbi Dovid Cohen Congregation Gvul Yaabetz, Brooklyn, New York.
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“[Rabbi Fraenkel’s] work will return the study of Rav Chaim’s masterpiece to the center of Jewish thought in our times.” Read more
Rabbi Aaron Rakeffet RIETS Kollel, Yeshiva University in Israel.
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“Nefesh HaTzimtzum is a monumental work which truly explains the teachings and worldview of Rabbi Chaim Volozhin …. Avinoam amazingly dispels the confusion [about Tzimtzum] by explaining the historical factors and providing scholarly proof.” Read more
Rabbi Moshe Schatz Kabbalist and Author.
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“Many were severely confused about the nature of the schism [between the Hassidim and Mitnagdim] … You [R. Fraenkel] are fortunate that you have merited to delve into the depths of the matter and to demonstrate how they can all be reconciled.” Read more
Rabbi Yitzchok Menachem Weinberg The Tolner Rebbe of Jerusalem.
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“Rav Avinoam Fraenkel’s … monumental work on the Nefesh HaChaim contains both his lucid translation and thorough analysis of this classic.” Read more
“There is much pseudo-depth in this generation and it is a true pleasure and comfort to encounter a writer who invests maximal effort towards reaching the truth of the Torah and of wisdom.” Read more
Professor Jonathan Garb Professor of Jewish Thought, Hebrew University.
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“A work of both real piety and ingenious scholarship …. It would be hard to overestimate the amount of intellectual effort, courage, precision, and diligence invested in these two volumes.” Read more
Professor Yitzhak Y. Melamed Professor of Philosophy, Johns Hopkins University. Review in “Jewish Review of Books.”
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“The work is a labor of love by the translator and its shows. It is a wonderful translation and commentary on a difficult text showing his attention to detail and concern with educating the reader.” Read more
Professor Alan Brill Professor of Jewish Thought, Seton Hall University. Review and Interview in “The Book of Doctrines and Opinions.”
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“Avinoam Fraenkel’s research, translation, and commentary are essential components to making this classic … accessible to the English reading audience.” Read more
Professor Zev Garber Professor Emeritus of Jewish Studies, Los Angeles Valley College. Review in “American Reference Books Annual” (ARBA).
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“This is perhaps the most glorious—certainly the lengthiest—of the translations.” Read more
Rabbi Bezalel Naor Author and Educator. Review in “The Seforim Blog.”
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“R. Fraenkel restores [Nefesh HaChaim] to its fullest glory and enables its learners to envision what R. Chaim Volozhin sought to teach. Simply put, Nefesh HaTzimtzum is magnificent!” Read more
Rabbi Johnny Solomon Educator.
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“Nefesh Hatzimtzum is simply a treasure waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. Fraenkel has made an historic contribution to the Jewish people.” Read more
Rabbi Ari Enkin Author and Educator. Review in “Torah Book Reviews.”