Shliach’s Book Helped Him After His Personal Tragedy

When Rabbi Avraham Plotkin, shliach to Markham, Ontario, prepared a book on the subjects about bereavement, the afterlife and the human soul, he had no idea that he would put his writings to use after a personal tragedy.

By Anash.org reporter

When Rabbi Avraham Plotkin, shliach to Markham, Ontario, prepared a book on the subjects about bereavement, the afterlife and the human soul, he had no idea that he would put his writings to use after a personal tragedy.

“Seven Conversations with Jerry” is a book written and newly published by Rabbi Plotkin, a Rabbi for over 35 years. Plotkin has been counseling and helping bereaved members of his community in Canada and has drawn on his vast experience, wisdom and compassion in compiling this book.

“Most of us are at a loss on how to deal with the explosive and complicated subject of death and bereavement or what to say at a shiva house,” Rabbi Plotkin. “What can we possibly say that will help a friend or relative without sounding insensitive or condescending?”

A brand-new book about to hit the bookshelves this week will make this seemingly impossible task way easier. The book “Seven Conversation with Jerry” is a handy and practical resource on the subjects about bereavement, the afterlife and the human soul. This new book will help navigate these complicated subjects and give one the words and tools with which to offer comfort and solace in a meaningful way.

In fact, Rabbi Plotkin says that the book, even before its publication, helped him at a time of personal grief.

“Ironically, the book helped me resolve my own grief when, two years ago, my wife Goldie and I lost our precious special-needs son Zalmy at the young age of 15. Ironically, we found tremendous chizuk in our own manuscript which had not yet been printed at the time,” he said.

This book is unique as it is written in the form of a novel, making it an easy read. It presents the many philosophical questions and challenges that we all deal with at one point or another through the voice of the rabbi’s atheistic congregant, the mega wealthy Jerry Goldstein.

Jerry poses to the Rabbi the hardball questions that bother ALL of us. He becomes our mouthpiece.

Then in typical rabbinic tradition, Jerry’s Rabbi answers these sensitive questions with great caution and sensitivity but at the same time very directly and honestly and gently prods his cynical congregant to a place of greater understanding.

“This book is written to address as broad an audience as possible,” Rabbi Plotkin said. “While it draws on Torah and Kabbalistic sources exclusively, it is written in a universal language that should appeal to people of all backgrounds and religions, making it an ideal gift for someone who has experienced a loss or is actively comforting a mourner.”

“It is also a perfect gift for someone who is struggling with the most basic questions about life: How do we explain suffering and reconcile it with our belief in G-d? Why do bad things happen to good people? Do Jews believe in heaven and hell? What is heaven? What is hell? Does G-d keep a grudge? How can we ask forgiveness from the dead? Can we forgive the dead or is it too late? And much more,” he said.

The Rabbi paints for his curious and sensitive congregant, a comprehensive picture of the journey of the soul and its transition to the afterlife. It is done skillfully with tons of stories and parables that even the cynical Jerry cannot help but be moved. Many exciting, unexpected twists are thrown into the story to create an engaging and thrilling plot.

The book is available in a Jewish Book Store near you and will be available shortly on Amazon and Indigo book stores in Canada.

For a zoom style book signing program please call 416-505-0480.