What’s in a smile?

In the unique world of Bostoner Chassidus -- the only major Chassidus born in America -- it is a way of life. It is an irrepressible expression of love for every Jew, no matter what his spiritual level, rejoicing in his every success, and showering compassion and encouragement if he stumbles or falls. This exceptional attitude, and the community it epitomizes, are the work of one of American Jewry’s most extraordinary spiritual leaders, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Horowitz, the Bostoner Rebbe, shlita.

Blending uncompromising Torah observance, incredible empathy and concern, uncommon common sense, and an infectious sense of humor, the Rebbe has advised and changed the lives of the thousands of Jews -- mostly not his own followers -- who have turned to him for help. This heartwarming book of stories from the Rebbe’s more relaxed moments, collected by a long-time chassid and friend of the Rebbe, captures much of the spirit that is “Boston,” whether in the new Israeli community in Har Nof, Jerusalem, in Switzerland, in Australia, or in its Boston home.

The Rebbe is a great teller of stories, usually based on his own experiences, in which his loving Tzaddik’s-eye view of our ability to grow, change -- and surprise -- is never far from the surface. The author has arranged the stories in chronological order, and attached them to brief inspiring Chassidic insights on the weekly parshah -- and the result is a book that you will long treasure.

The book’s title comes from one of the stories. You’ll laugh, too -- and smile, cry, beam with joy, and reflect the human frailty, greatness, and potential -- and you’ll be a wiser, happier person.