Chapter 3: Chaim Kellmer and the Religion of the Encounter

Abstract

EARLY IN MY UNIVERSITY YEARS, I met a man who was to become the closest friend and companion I had as a youth. I was stopped by a stranger one cold winter morning while crossing the street from the Votivkirche to the university. He came close to me and said in a deep, melodious voice, "I've seen and heard you many times and I've wanted to speak with you, so here I am." We shook hands. From that moment on, until his death, Chaim Kellmer was my steady companion