Preface

In the Preface the author draws an example from the case of Professor David Berger that when academic arguments touch upon emotions, disputes can lead to unjustified personal attacks. He then makes the claim that the Torah prohibits such attacks, and asks that when someone wishes to criticize this book they should not make an issue of the author's personal piety or knowledge.

Regarding the personal piety of the author, I have neither any information about it nor do I think it is relevant at all. Ideologically I revere all piety and scorn all impiety, let that apply to the author as it may. When it comes to intelligent discussion, the characteristics of the author are insignificant as arguments must be analyzed in their own merit regardless of whence they originated. The knowledge of the author is also not an issue, what is an issue is the knowledge imparted in his work. As I have already indicated it is highly deficient.

Introduction

The introduction begins with a flowery adulation for Lubavitch and the Rebbe. This has no relevance to the objective of the book, so I will not address it. The author then addresses the question of whether Moshiach can be a resurrected man and whether the Rebbe is still alive. He claims that this book will help to enlighten the poor individuals who seriously doubt these claims but are unable to refute them. The author then makes the claim that this task will be achieved in this book. I do not argue with these points, these are indeed the claims and objectives of this book.

The author once again cautions his readers not to be dissuaded by critiques that focus on minor issues or on style. He then asks that after reading a criticism one should reread the book to see if the main points have been sufficiently addressed. I will take this time to reiterate that I intend to display the inefficiency of every single point in this book. I also encourage the reader to go through the entire book with me, point by point, as I sift through the rhetoric and erroneous logic.

What is Moshiach

In chapter one the author takes the time to introduce the idea of Moshiach to his readers. This is done by introducing certain biblical excerpts as well as talmudic and post-talmudic discussions that help to familiarize the reader with the traditional Jewish folklore regarding the events that will occur during the messianic era. Since none of this has any bearing on the conclusions of the book, I feel no need to address it here.

Who is the Lubavitcher Rebbe

In chapter two we are given a brief rundown of the Chabad sect of Chasidim, as well as some details about the Rebbe intended to give the reader an idea of who the Rebbe was. Once again, this is irrelevant to the main issues of the book, so I will not address it.