Have a Little Faith (Mitch Albom book)
Encyclopedia
Have a Little Faith is a 2009 non-fiction book by Mitch Albom
, author of previous works that include Tuesdays with Morrie
and The Five People You Meet in Heaven
. It is based on two separate sets of conversations that took place between the author and members of the clergy: a rabbi
in a relatively affluent section of New Jersey
, and a Protestant
minister in a very poor section of Detroit, Michigan
.
, his childhood rabbi
, to write and deliver the eulogy
when the time came for the rabbi's funeral. Albom agreed, contingent on an agreement that he could begin a series of interviews and conversations, in order to get to know Lewis as a man, not just as a rabbi.
Albom writes that his conversations with Lewis -- whom he refers to as the Reb, an affectionate term drawn from the Yiddish
word for rabbi -- eventually led to an increased interest on Albom's part in the power and meaning of faith in a larger sense. In his hometown of Detroit, he forged a link with Pastor Henry Covington, an African-American Protestant minister at the I Am My Brother's Keeper Church. Covington, a past drug-addict, dealer, and ex-convict, was ministering to the needs of his down-and-out parishioners, in an urban church serving a largely homeless congregation, in a church so poor that the roof leaked when it rained.
The book alternates between his conversations with Lewis, and excerpts from some of his sermons; and Life of Henry, the title of the sections describing his conversations with Covington, and stories about him.
From his relationships with these two very different men of faith, Albom writes about the difference faith can make in the world. As Albom writes:
Albom has told interviewers that he believes that the reason Lewis originally asked him to deliver the eulogy may actually have been a way to draw him back to the roots of his own faith, and "back to God a little bit."
for his congregation, in the book. One example is this story, delivered in 1981:
In addition to the eulogy, the book describes the fact that funeral attendees were surprised to hear a seven minute taped message from Lewis, which he specifically prepared to be played at the funeral. In it, he delivers his final teaching to his congregation, touching on questions about God and immortality; expressing his gratitude to friends and family for the privilege of knowing them; and ending with the words, Shalom Haverim -- Goodbye, Friends.
One of the direct results of Albom's conversations with Covington, and the writing of this book, was the establishment of the A Hole in the Roof Foundation. The Foundation helps faith groups of every denomination with programs for the homeless repair the spaces in which they carry out this work. While repairing Covington's church was the first project for the Foundation, it has since worked in areas including repairs to the Caring and Sharing Mission and Orphanage in Port-au-Prince
, Haiti
, after the 2010 Haiti earthquake
.
Additionally, the Author's Note in the book states that, "Per the tradition of tithing
, one-tenth of the author's profits on every book sold will be donated to charity, including the church, synagogue, and homeless shelters in this story."
Martin Landau
portrays Albert Lewis, and Laurence Fishburne
plays Henry Covington. The film was produced by Hallmark Hall of Fame
and directed by Jon Avnet
with a screenplay by Mitch Albom. The film, also stars Bradley Whitford
as Albom, began filming in Detroit in June 2011.
An advance "world premiere charity event" screening of the movie took place on November 16, 2011, at the Emagine Theatre complex in Royal Oak, Michigan
. All ten theaters within the Emagine Multiplex Theater showed the film.
All proceeds from the screening went to the "A Hole in the Roof Foundation" and the "Rabbi Albert Lewis Fund," and the screening was attended by director Jon Avnet and many of the film's stars, including Lawrence Fishbourne, Martin Landau, Bradley Whitford, and Melinda McGraw.
Mitch Albom
Mitchell David "Mitch" Albom is an American best-selling author, journalist, screenwriter, dramatist, radio and television broadcaster and musician. His books have sold over 30 million copies worldwide...
, author of previous works that include Tuesdays with Morrie
Tuesdays With Morrie
Tuesdays with Morrie is a 1997 non-fiction novel by American writer Mitch Albom. The story was later adapted by Thomas Rickman into a TV movie of the same name directed by Mick Jackson, which aired on 5 December 1999 and starred Jack Lemmon and Hank Azaria...
and The Five People You Meet in Heaven
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a novel by Mitch Albom. It recounts the life and death of an old maintenance man named Eddie. After dying in an accident, Eddie finds himself in heaven where he encounters five people who have significantly affected his life, whether he realized at the time or...
. It is based on two separate sets of conversations that took place between the author and members of the clergy: a rabbi
Rabbi
In Judaism, a rabbi is a teacher of Torah. This title derives from the Hebrew word רבי , meaning "My Master" , which is the way a student would address a master of Torah...
in a relatively affluent section of New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, and a Protestant
Protestantism
Protestantism is one of the three major groupings within Christianity. It is a movement that began in Germany in the early 16th century as a reaction against medieval Roman Catholic doctrines and practices, especially in regards to salvation, justification, and ecclesiology.The doctrines of the...
minister in a very poor section of Detroit, Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
.
Synopsis
Albom (Mitchel David "Mitch" Albom) writes in the introduction to this book that the idea for it began with the request by Albert L. LewisAlbert L. Lewis
Rabbi Albert L. Lewis was a leading American Conservative rabbi, scholar, and author; President of the Rabbinical Assembly , the international organization of Conservative rabbis; and Vice-President of The World Council of Synagogues...
, his childhood rabbi
Rabbi
In Judaism, a rabbi is a teacher of Torah. This title derives from the Hebrew word רבי , meaning "My Master" , which is the way a student would address a master of Torah...
, to write and deliver the eulogy
Eulogy
A eulogy is a speech or writing in praise of a person or thing, especially one recently deceased or retired. Eulogies may be given as part of funeral services. However, some denominations either discourage or do not permit eulogies at services to maintain respect for traditions...
when the time came for the rabbi's funeral. Albom agreed, contingent on an agreement that he could begin a series of interviews and conversations, in order to get to know Lewis as a man, not just as a rabbi.
Albom writes that his conversations with Lewis -- whom he refers to as the Reb, an affectionate term drawn from the Yiddish
Yiddish language
Yiddish is a High German language of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, spoken throughout the world. It developed as a fusion of German dialects with Hebrew, Aramaic, Slavic languages and traces of Romance languages...
word for rabbi -- eventually led to an increased interest on Albom's part in the power and meaning of faith in a larger sense. In his hometown of Detroit, he forged a link with Pastor Henry Covington, an African-American Protestant minister at the I Am My Brother's Keeper Church. Covington, a past drug-addict, dealer, and ex-convict, was ministering to the needs of his down-and-out parishioners, in an urban church serving a largely homeless congregation, in a church so poor that the roof leaked when it rained.
The book alternates between his conversations with Lewis, and excerpts from some of his sermons; and Life of Henry, the title of the sections describing his conversations with Covington, and stories about him.
From his relationships with these two very different men of faith, Albom writes about the difference faith can make in the world. As Albom writes:
This is a story about believing in something and the two very different men who taught me how. It took a long time to write. It took me to churches and synagogues, to the suburbs and the city, to the "us" versus "them" that divides faith around the world. And finally, it took me home, to a sanctuary filled with people, to a casket made of pine,to a pulpit that was empty."
In the beginning, there was a question. It became a last request. "Will you do my eulogy?" And, as is often the case with faith, I thought I was being asked a favor, when in fact I was being given one."
Albom has told interviewers that he believes that the reason Lewis originally asked him to deliver the eulogy may actually have been a way to draw him back to the roots of his own faith, and "back to God a little bit."
Sermon by the Reb
Albom included a number of Lewis's many stories, which were used as mini-sermonsSermon
A sermon is an oration by a prophet or member of the clergy. Sermons address a Biblical, theological, religious, or moral topic, usually expounding on a type of belief, law or behavior within both past and present contexts...
for his congregation, in the book. One example is this story, delivered in 1981:
A soldier's little girl, whose father was being moved to a distant post, was sitting at the airport among her family's meager belongings. The girl was sleepy. She leaned against the packs and duffel bags. A lady came by, stopped, and patted her on the head. "Poor child," she said. "You haven't got a home."
The child looked up in surprise. "But we do have a home," she said. "We just don't have a house to put it in."
The Eulogy
The book, both about individuals with faith and faith itself, concludes with the eulogy that Albom delivered at Lewis's funeral, on February 12, 2008. It included the words:I didn't want to eulogize you. I was afraid. I felt a congregant could never eulogize his leader. But I realize now that thousands of congregants will eulogize you today, in their car rides home, over the dinner table. A eulogy is no more than a summation of memories, and we will never forget you, because we cannot forget you, because we will miss you every day. To imagine a world without you in it is to imagine a world with a little less God in it, and yet , because God is not a diminishing resource, I cannot believe that.
In addition to the eulogy, the book describes the fact that funeral attendees were surprised to hear a seven minute taped message from Lewis, which he specifically prepared to be played at the funeral. In it, he delivers his final teaching to his congregation, touching on questions about God and immortality; expressing his gratitude to friends and family for the privilege of knowing them; and ending with the words, Shalom Haverim -- Goodbye, Friends.
Reception
This book is being used by religious and non-religious groups around the country, in discussions about faith and as an inspiration for interfaith dialogue, charity, and community service projects.One of the direct results of Albom's conversations with Covington, and the writing of this book, was the establishment of the A Hole in the Roof Foundation. The Foundation helps faith groups of every denomination with programs for the homeless repair the spaces in which they carry out this work. While repairing Covington's church was the first project for the Foundation, it has since worked in areas including repairs to the Caring and Sharing Mission and Orphanage in Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince is the capital and largest city of the Caribbean nation of Haiti. The city's population was 704,776 as of the 2003 census, and was officially estimated to have reached 897,859 in 2009....
, Haiti
Haiti
Haiti , officially the Republic of Haiti , is a Caribbean country. It occupies the western, smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antillean archipelago, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Ayiti was the indigenous Taíno or Amerindian name for the island...
, after the 2010 Haiti earthquake
2010 Haiti earthquake
The 2010 Haiti earthquake was a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake, with an epicentre near the town of Léogâne, approximately west of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital. The earthquake occurred at 16:53 local time on Tuesday, 12 January 2010.By 24 January, at least 52 aftershocks...
.
Additionally, the Author's Note in the book states that, "Per the tradition of tithing
Tithe
A tithe is a one-tenth part of something, paid as a contribution to a religious organization or compulsory tax to government. Today, tithes are normally voluntary and paid in cash, cheques, or stocks, whereas historically tithes were required and paid in kind, such as agricultural products...
, one-tenth of the author's profits on every book sold will be donated to charity, including the church, synagogue, and homeless shelters in this story."
Movie
In June 2011, an announcement was made that the book would be filmed as a made-for-television movie, scheduled for release during the 2011 Christmas season on ABC. However, the movie's television screening was moved up from Christmas weekend to Thanksgiving weekend, and aired on ABC Sunday November 27.Martin Landau
Martin Landau
Martin Landau is an American film and television actor. Landau began his career in the 1950s. His early films include a supporting role in Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest . He played continuing roles in the television series Mission: Impossible and Space:1999...
portrays Albert Lewis, and Laurence Fishburne
Laurence Fishburne
Laurence John Fishburne III is an American film and stage actor, playwright, director, and producer. He is perhaps best known for his roles as Morpheus in the Matrix science fiction film trilogy, as Cowboy Curtis on the 1980's television show Pee-wee's Playhouse, and as singer-musician Ike Turner...
plays Henry Covington. The film was produced by Hallmark Hall of Fame
Hallmark Hall of Fame
Hallmark Hall of Fame is an anthology program on American television, sponsored by Hallmark Cards, a Kansas City based greeting card company. The second longest-running television program in the history of television, it has a historically long run, beginning in 1951 and continuing into 2011...
and directed by Jon Avnet
Jon Avnet
Jonathan Michael "Jon" Avnet is an American director, writer and producer.-Early life:Avnet was born in Brooklyn, the son of Joan Bertha and Lester Francis Avnet, a corporate executive and electronics distributor. He attended Great Neck North High School in Great Neck, New York...
with a screenplay by Mitch Albom. The film, also stars Bradley Whitford
Bradley Whitford
Bradley Whitford is an American film and television actor. He is best known for his roles as Deputy White House Chief of Staff Josh Lyman on the NBC television drama The West Wing, as Danny Tripp on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, as Dan Stark in the Fox police buddy-comedy The Good Guys, as...
as Albom, began filming in Detroit in June 2011.
An advance "world premiere charity event" screening of the movie took place on November 16, 2011, at the Emagine Theatre complex in Royal Oak, Michigan
Royal Oak, Michigan
Royal Oak is a city in Oakland County of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a suburb of Detroit. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 57,236. It should not be confused with Royal Oak Charter Township, a separate community located nearby....
. All ten theaters within the Emagine Multiplex Theater showed the film.
All proceeds from the screening went to the "A Hole in the Roof Foundation" and the "Rabbi Albert Lewis Fund," and the screening was attended by director Jon Avnet and many of the film's stars, including Lawrence Fishbourne, Martin Landau, Bradley Whitford, and Melinda McGraw.
External links
- Book Excerpt
- YouTube: Mitch Albom talks about the book.
- 'Tuesdays with Morrie author Mitch Albom Keeps the Faith, USA Today, September 29, 2009.
- He Sleeps in a Storm, sermonette, Rabbi Albert Lewis, 1975, taken from the book.
- Sample Christian sermon based on Rabbi Lewis's inspiration as recounted in the book, Have a Little Faith; the Rev. Timothy C. Ahrens, senior minister, First Congregational Church, UCC, Columbus, Ohio, Jan 3, 2010.
- Book Review, Have a Little Faith, Attribute Magazine, Katrina Williams, Feb 9, 2010.
- One-on-One with Author Mitch Albom, Saturday Evening Post, Oct 20, 2009, discussing the book, Have a Little Faith.
- Video: Mitch Albom and Rabbi Lewis, Conversations at KCTS9, Nov 9, 2009. Mitch Albom describes his relationship with Rabbi Al Lewis.
- Video: When Albert's Time Came, Conversations at KCTS9, Nov 9, 2009, Mitch Albom describes Lewis's last days.
- Katie Couric interviews Mitch Albom on a wide range of topics, with a strong focus on the book, Have a Little Faith, Nov 10, 2009.
- Mitch Albom website
- Book discussion guide, by Pastor Floyd Flake.
- Text version of Lewis's final message to his congregation, played at his funeral.
- Audio version of Lewis's final message.