Have a Little Faith: A True Story

A few months after his apparent stroke, the Reb’s doctors discover that it was not a stroke at all, but rather an erroneous dose of medicine that caused his symptoms. Once corrected, the Reb’s mental acuity returns, and Albom visits him. Though disappointed by his doctors, the Reb shows no interest in taking legal action against them. Instead, he wonders what he has left to give.

Albom and the Reb discuss human nature. The Reb expresses his belief that all people have good inside them, but they must choose accordingly.

One day, after putting off his requests several times, Albom agrees to hear Cass’s life story. Cass grew up a star athlete in a large family and began dealing drugs after a stint in the military. Once, he was nearly killed by two men who stole drugs from him. A while later, he went to prison, where he met a man who led him in Muslim prayers.

After he was released from prison, Cass again turned to drugs. Without a place to stay, he found ways to make money to support his drug addiction, stealing when necessary. After about five years of living without a home, Cass heard about Henry, whom some people referred to as “Rebbey Reb.” Henry gave out free food while offering simple gospel messages.

From time to time, Henry hired Cass to unload food or do landscaping. When the abandoned home where Cass was sleeping flooded, Henry invited Cass to stay at his house. Cass slept in Henry’s house for the next year, long enough to make a fresh start. Cass suggests that God measures people’s progress individually over time, not by comparing them to each other.

In December 2007, Albom visits the Reb, now 90 years old. As they sort through boxes in the Reb’s office, the two discuss forgiveness. The Reb indicates that he forgives everyone and hopes they forgive him. Albom recalls one of the Reb’s last sermons as senior rabbi, when he asked the congregation for forgiveness. He encourages Albom not to delay seeking and offering forgiveness, especially from family members.

During his next visit to Henry’s church, Albom speaks with various congregants, including several members who share the ways that Henry helped them by offering food, shelter, and more. As the winter progresses, Albom feels the need to publish stories about the church in the Detroit Free Press.

Later, in Henry’s home, Albom asks Henry why he continues his ministerial work despite financial and other setbacks. Henry explains that he considers himself to be an “awful person,” undeserving of God’s forgiveness. Despite that, he continues to serve not as an attempt to earn his way into heaven but rather as a way of giving something back to God. Following this conversation, Albom feels confident that Henry’s past should not be held against him anymore.

In January 2008, the temple holds a gathering in honor of the Reb’s service; he is deeply moved to see old friends reconnect and describes the moment as “a piece of heaven” (224). A few weeks later, Albom visits the Reb, who expresses his hope and curiosity about the afterlife. When Albom’s parents come to pick him up for lunch, the Reb hugs Albom goodbye.

As result of media attention due to Albom’s stories about the I Am My Brother’s Keeper Ministry, the utility company restores heat to the building, and a flurry of new volunteers and donated goods arrive at the church.

The Reb announces that he is dying but points out that everyone begins to die as soon as they are born. He shares a joke about a visitor who felt himself exempted from a clergyman’s reminder that everyone “in this parish” will die (231).

One day in February 2008, the Reb feels too tired to join his health aid in the grocery store. He is admitted to the hospital for testing. He encourages his daughter Gilah not to cancel a trip to Israel to stay with him. The next morning, while taking a sponge bath, he has a stroke and slips into a coma.

Albom flashes back to a moment the Reb listed seven reasons why he became a rabbi. Albom pointed out that none of the reasons involves God, and the Reb replied, “God was there before number one” (234).

After a few days in a comatose state, the Reb passes away. After receiving a call confirming the Reb’s death, Albom writes the eulogy and delivers it during the following funeral service.

In the eulogy, Albom shares the circumstances that led him to prepare the eulogy before offering a summary of the Reb’s life, with particular emphasis on his roles as a community builder and moral leader. He concludes by reminding the congregation that they need only look up—to God—to feel close to the Reb once again.

Following Albom’s remarks, a short tape recorded by the Reb is played over the speakers, in which he reaffirms his faith in God and bids farewell in song.

Following the Reb’s death, Albom feels empty. He continues to visit Henry’s church, where he is pleased to see increased engagement, though they still lack funds to fix the hole in the roof. Cass, recently married, now has a daughter named Miracle.

During a last visit to the Reb’s office, Albom opens the file on God. Seeing the scattered clippings and notes, he realizes that finding faith is an ongoing journey.

Albom recalls asking the Reb what he would do if he could talk to God for five minutes. The Reb explained that he would pray for his family for one minute, give up three minutes for others who could benefit more from them, and ask about his reward at the last minute. The Reb added that he expected God would reject the notion of a reward, pointing out that the Reb was only doing what he was supposed to.

Albom reflects that the sum of faith and hope constitutes one “wonderful, human song” (249).