MONSEY, NEW YORK - Rav Dovid Berkowitz, the Rav of Kehillas Ahava Vi-yirah, has written a Jewish version to update The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman's bestselling book on marriage and relationships, in conjunction with Chapman himself. In this edition, Rav Berkowitz has revealed that the official sixth love language is to give a back rub to one's chaver in shul, preferably during Krias HaTorah.
The updated book, entitled The 6 Love Languages For Yidden, will be available this summer, along with an extensive set of workbooks, study guides, and other supplements. It has haskamos of Gedolei Torah who were enthusiastic about Rav Berkowitz expanding love in Klal Yisroel to combat the terrible sinas chinam that afflicts us.
Rav Berkowitz stated the updated Jewish version was necessary after he interviewed thousands of men who revealed that they would really feel loved and appreciated in shul if other mispalelim would give them back rubs.
"Shul can be a very cold place at times and we need to make it more warm, cozy, friendly and loving", said Rav Berkowitz. "We all walk around with a deficit of love or even childhood trauma that can healed if peoople would just be open to rubbing their friend's backs. If done during Krias HaTorah it will create a positive association between Torah and love."
He added that one should only do this to good friends. Otherwise, it will seem really creepy. I mean REALLY!!
Rav Berkowitz concluded by sharing his hope that this will help be mekarev the Geulah.
