Have a Little Faith: A True Story

Have a Little Faith: A True Story is a 2009 nonfiction book by American journalist and author Mitch Albom. The book can be classified as an inspirational memoir, as it centers on the author’s interactions with two faith leaders, one Jewish and one Christian, over an eight-year period. In 2011, Have a Little Faith was adapted into a made-for-television film starring Laurence Fishburne, Martin Landau, and Bradley Whitford.

This study guide refers to the 2009 Hyperion edition.

Content Warning: The source material and this guide include discussions of substance use and addiction, as well as references to child death.

Summary

In 2000, aging Rabbi Albert Lewis, known simply as “the Reb,” asks Albom to give his eulogy. Albom accepts, and the two begin to meet regularly. Albom grew up as a member of the Reb’s congregation in New Jersey, but he found the Reb intimidating and didn’t get to know him on a personal basis. After graduating from college, Albom moved to Detroit and drifted away from religion, though he continued to attend with his parents on occasion. He also married a Christian woman.

Through their meetings, Albom learns about the Reb’s life. The Reb failed during his first attempt to become a rabbi, but he received a second chance after making an impression as a youth camp counselor. The Reb met his wife, Sarah, after she became a teacher at the school where he was a principal, and the two had four children. One of those children, a daughter, died of an asthma attack when she was four years old; the experience prepared the Reb to give support to others who experienced similar losses. From humble beginnings, the Reb helped build a large congregation in New Jersey. Known for his engaging sermons and his habit of breaking into song, the Reb maintained close relationships with the members of his congregation even after retiring from his position as senior rabbi.

As Albom continues to meet with the Reb over several years, his interest in faith is rekindled. The two discuss a wide range of topics, including the power of ritual, the relationship between various faiths, the purpose of suffering, and the source of happiness. Concurrent with their discussions, the Reb’s health gradually worsens as he passes through various challenges, including a cancer diagnosis and a drug dosage error that temporarily robs him of the power to express himself. Finally, in February 2008, the Reb passes away peacefully. For the funeral, Albom writes and delivers an emotional eulogy highlighting the Reb’s role as a community builder and moral leader.

A secondary narrative is interspersed with the first, this one centering on the life of Christian pastor Henry Covington. Henry grew up in a poor neighborhood in New York City. He engaged in crime and substance use throughout his teenage years and spent several years in jail. Afterward, he married his longtime girlfriend, Annette, but tragedy struck when the two lost a child. Struggling financially, Henry began dealing drugs. He made lots of money but soon became addicted himself. After spending one night fearing for his life, he promised to turn his life over to Jesus. He then rid himself of drugs and weapons and began to actively participate in church, where he caught the eye of a bishop. That bishop ordained him and sent him to Detroit to help build a ministry there. Eventually, Henry became the pastor of the I Am My Brother’s Ministry in Detroit, where he prioritized charity work for people without homes, though he struggled to pay for the upkeep of the church facilities; a large hole in the ceiling was particularly problematic.

Inspired by his conversations with the Reb, Albom decides to start a charity. He visits Henry’s church as one potential recipient of charity funds. At first, he is put off by Henry’s colorful past, but he soon realizes that Henry is no longer the person he once was. In addition to covering the hole in the roof with a tarp, Albom publishes a series of articles highlighting the financial difficulties of Henry’s church, spurring an outpouring of support.

Following the Reb’s death, Albom finds ongoing purpose and connection through his work with Henry. Despite the differences between the two men, Albom concludes that the Reb and Henry both demonstrate the power of faith to generate hope and change the world for the better.