RABBI’S BOOK: The recently published sixth book...

RABBI’S BOOK: The recently published sixth book of Rabbi Eli Schochet of West Hills’ Shomrei Torah Synagogue provides a historical perspective on the Hasidic Jewish movement, recently in the spotlight with the passing of its rebbe , Menachem Schneerson.

“The Hasidic Movement and the Gaon of Vilna” (Jason Aronson & Co.) also focuses on Rabbi Elijah, called the Gaon, the exalted one. Schochet said he was the outstanding rabbinic scholar of the 18th-Century stronghold of Jewish thought, Lithuania. His book analyzes the opposition to Hasidism in the latter’s formative period.

The rebbe in the Hasidic movements “plays a qualitatively different role than the rabbi does in mainstream Judaism,” Schochet said.

“What we see played out today is not just the drama of a beloved teacher’s death but the death of a man who was seen as having a special relationship to God,” said Schochet, a rabbi in the Conservative wing of Judaism.

“The idea put forth in classic Hasidism was that the Hasidic rebbe has the remarkable gift of devekut , literally, attachment to God. If people couldn’t cleave to God themselves, by directly cleaving to rebbe the Hasidic followers became nearer to God,” he said.

EDITOR’S NOVEL: Gabriel Meyer, associate editor of The National Catholic Register, a weekly newspaper edited in Encino, will read from his recently published novel, “In the Shade of the Terebinth” (Forest of Peace Books), at 7 p.m. today at the Parnas Gallery, 1547 10th St., Santa Monica.

The mystery novel’s narrative weaves together ancient and modern Jerusalem, Arabic and Jewish culture, biblical narrative and the plight of Palestinian refugees.

The book’s 13 woodcuts and cover art, by artist Michael Schrauzer, will be on display in the gallery. For information, call (310) 458-6335.

QUAKE BENEFIT: Five performances of “Fiddler on the Roof” will be staged by St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church in Van Nuys, beginning 8 p.m. Friday, to help raise funds to rebuild the church’s sanctuary, which was severely damaged in the Jan. 17 earthquake.

Other performances, also at 8 p.m., will be on July 23, 24, 29 and 30 in Karagozian Hall on the church grounds, 17231 Sherman Way.

Next Saturday’s performance will be preceded by a black tie champagne reception at 6 p.m. The requested donation for that evening is $35 by reservation only. Prices for other nights are $17.50 in advance and $20 at the door.

For tickets and information, call (818) 346-6163.

News and announcements for this column may be sent to Religion Desk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311.