Shedding light on a rabbinical icon
RABBI John Levi has launched his book about the life and times of the 20th-century rabbinical giant, Rabbi Herman Sanger.
PETER KOHN
AN elegant Bauhaus chanukiah, salvaged from Nazi Germany along with some of his extensive library, reflects the style of Rabbi Dr Herman Sanger, said his biographer.
Held aloft by Rabbi Dr John Levi, the artefact was a surprise guest at the launch of his book about the life and times of the 20th-century rabbinical giant.
The event drew a near-capacity audience to Temple Beth Israel (TBI), including former governor-general Sir Zelman Cowen and Lady Anna Cowen, whose wedding was conducted by Rabbi Sanger.
The book launch on December 6 was a celebration of both Rabbi Sanger and his biographer, whose combined innings account for much of TBI’s 80-year history.
Rabbi Levi said his book, My Dear Friends: The Life of Rabbi Dr Herman Sanger, which echoes his trademark opening line for sermons, has been published on the 100th anniversary of Rabbi Sanger’s birth in Breslau, Germany.
Launching the book, Australian Jewish Historical Society president Howard Freeman recounted Rabbi Sanger’s odyssey to Australia. “He had three lives,” he said, referring to his early years, his German rabbinate, and his Australian epoch, “and John has made them seamless”.
In honour of Rabbi Sanger, the rescued chanukiah will be lit this year.
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