A Reason to Rise

About the Book

Miami Beach, 1946. For Rabbi Sam Groh, the sparkling waters and sandy shores of Miami Beach should have symbolized salvation. World War II was over, but his personal success as newly anointed head rabbi of Miami’s most esteemed reform congregation could not be enjoyed in the wake of the Holocaust’s devastating toll on his people. When given the chance to help survivors leave Europe for a new homeland of their own in Palestine, Rabbi Groh is desperate to join the cause. Generations later the torch Rabbi Groh once ignited finds its way to his successor, his grandson, Rabbi Eitan Groh. Plagued with virulent antisemitism, the Jewish community of Europe is once again the target of hatred and bigotry at the scene of one of its darkest memories. Inspired by the bravery of his grandfather, Eitan is determined to go to the center of the controversy and do his part to prevent another mass Jewish tragedy on European soil. A turn in world events thrusts Eitan into battle against one of his people’s darkest enemies, and powerful forces he knows little about. Racing against the crimes of the past in order to prevent crimes of the future, Eitan sets out on a journey that could prevent catastrophe. That is if it doesn’t get him killed in the process. In A Reason to Rise, The Groh rabbinic dynasty takes the reader on an international journey of the Jewish experience in the 20th century. From the depths of the Holocaust to the establishment of the state of Israel, to the systemic rise of antisemitism across Europe, one family does their part to keep Judaism alive. In the spirit of Leon Uris and Daniel Silva, A Reason to Rise challenges readers to consider how and if Judaism outside of the State of Israel will continue to survive.

About the Author

Rabbi Jeremy Barras is the senior rabbi of Temple Beth Am in Miami, Florida, the largest Jewish synagogue in the Southeast United States. He is an active member of AIPAC’s National Council, a board member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and AJC Miami. He serves as a leader on the executive board of the Rabbinic Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and has been recognized for his volunteerism in helping support Jewish orphans in the former Soviet Union. Rabbi Barras descends from a long line of distinguished rabbis who have passed on the traditions of Jewish scholarship throughout the generations. Rabbi Barras is married to the light of his life, Jodi, and has two children, Ella and Ethan. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, tennis, reading, and writing. Rabbi Barras has published many educational pieces. This is his first work of fiction.