When he was 13, Albom participated in a bar mitzvah, a coming-of-age ritual in Judaism. After Albom chanted from a holy text, the Reb briefly questioned him about his relationship with his parents in front of the congregation.

During his teenage years, Henry committed various crimes, including armed robbery. When he was 19, a rival attempted to frame him for murder. Wanting to implicate his rival, Henry claimed he was present but did not participate in the murder. In reality, he had nothing to do with it. After he was charged with manslaughter, he accepted a seven-year prison term following a plea bargain.

Over the three years following Albom’s interview with the Reb, even after collecting enough information for a eulogy, Albom continues to visit the Reb, who survives various health challenges in good spirits. With each visit, he is impressed by the Reb’s optimism and faith. Unlike many of his colleagues, the Reb chooses not to move away after retiring from giving sermons, instead preferring to sit humbly in the congregation.