Image

Back to Many Faiths

Meeting Pope Pius VI

When Pope Paul VI issued the the Declaration on the Relation of the Church with Non-Christian Religions, otherwise known as Nostre Aetate, it fundamentally shifted the relationship between Catholics and Jews. This process began under his predecessor, Pope John XXIII. Throughout the deliberations, Heschel was a key voice for Jewish values and concerns. When the Heschels visited Rome in the 1970s, they met with Pope Paul VI.

Additional Text:

Wide Horizons: Abraham Joshua Heschel, AJC, and the Spirit of Nostra Aetate

In Our Time: AJC and Nostre Aetate

Related Content

Commitment to the divine imperative . . . empathy with the divine pathos. Rabbi Lenny Levin Psalm 42: Text and Commentary Most importantly to me, he wasn't afraid to use his talents and unique perspective to push for America to be a better version of itself. Ruth Messinger
Back to Many Faiths

Heschel at Reinhold Niebuhr’s Funeral

Reinhold Niebuhr’s funeral in Stockbridge, MA

Heschel gave the eulogy at his friend theologian Reinhold Niebuhr’s funeral in 1971. They had an intense, long-lasting friendship

Additional Text:

Notes on a Friendship: Abraham Joshua Heschel and Reinhold Niebuhr

An Unlikely Friendship on Seminary Row

When a Broader Religious Pluralism Began to Flower

Related Content

The first Jewish text included on our syllabus was a chapter from Heschel’s God in Search of Man, and I was entranced by it. Rabbi Geoffrey Claussen, PhD The Prophets My own identity became renewed by the idea that Judaism and Jewish values and Jewish actions could be and should be brought to the streets. Rabbi David Steinhardt
Back to God & Humanity

Israel: An Echo of Eternity

Book Cover-Israel: An Echo of Eternity with wood cut menorah and Hebrew letters

Israel: An Echo of Eternity (1969)

Focused on the significance of the Jewish people, this book explores the historical and spiritual dimensions of Jewish identity. Heschel reflects on the enduring covenant between God and the Jewish people, emphasizing the responsibility to live in accordance with divine teachings. Heschel wrote this book following the Six Day War.

Related Content

March on Selma Protest can be a form of prayer, heard both in the rhythm of the psalms and soles on pavement. Reverend Jamie Washam, PhD Heschel’s emphasis on the need for “text-people,” prompted me to know that his life of learning, inspiration, and activism was Torah. Rabbi Elie Spitz
Back to Wonder

The Earth is the Lord’s

Book Cover-The Earch is the Lord's, with silver piece of Judaica

The Earth Is the Lord’s: The Inner World of the Jew in East Europe (1950):

Heschel provides a vivid and personal account of Jewish life in Eastern Europe before the Holocaust. Through his personal reflections, he captured the richness of Jewish spirituality, culture, and devotion, shedding light on a world that was tragically lost.

Related Content

I was inspired by the Jewish concept of working for social change. Orly Erez Likhovski JTS Memorial Service for Martin Luther King Jr He articulated my personal beliefs about Judaism and God. Matthew Bar
Back to Holy Time

The Sabbath

Book Cover-The Sabbat, with woodcut

The Sabbath: Its Meaning for Modern Man (1951)

Heschel explores the spiritual and ethical significance of the Sabbath in this classic work. He argues that the Sabbath is a sanctuary in time, providing a space for humans to connect with the divine and find rest from the demands of everyday life.

Related Content

JTS Memorial Service for Martin Luther King Jr Heschel with Fritz Rothschild The Insecurity of Freedom
Back to God & Humanity

Man Is Not Alone

Book Cover-Man is not Alone, golden dust jacket with image of Michaelango's Adam

Man Is Not Alone: A Philosophy of Religion (1951):

In this philosophical exploration, Heschel delves into the nature of religious experience and the relationship between humanity and God. He emphasizes the idea that true knowledge of God comes through a profound sense of awe and wonder.

Additional Content:

Heschel in Ottawa 1967, Exploring Man Is Not Alone

Related Content

"Why We Pray With Our Feet: A Conversation with Cohosts Emelda and Trudy" I value Heschel's teaching that we are not all prophets but there should be something of the prophet in every one of us. Dr. Arnold Eisen He was given the gift of prophecy but also the gift of language to translate into human terms the divine concern. Rabbi Ernesto Yattah
Back to God & Humanity

Man’s Quest for God

Book Cover-Man's Quest for God, with brown blocks
Book Cover-Man's Quest for God with rainbow

Man’s Quest for God: Studies in Prayer and Symbolism (1954):

In this book, Heschel explores the profound aspects of prayer and religious symbolism. He delves into the human quest for a meaningful connection with the divine, examining the role of prayer as a spiritual discipline and the symbols that facilitate this dialogue.

Related Content

"The Spirit of the Prophet" Song Notre Dame's International Conference on "The Theological Issues of Vatican II" Had it not been for him, I would have done less, cared less, thought less, lived less. Rabbi Michael Marmur, PhD
Back to God & Humanity

God in Search of Man

God in Search of Man: A Philosophy of Judaism (1955):

This book examines the dynamics of the human-divine relationship. Heschel explores the ways in which individuals can encounter God through prayer, ethical living, and religious commitment.

Related Content

Heschel’s confidence in the power of the tradition was a constant example throughout his life. Rabbi David Wolpe Castle in Time Orchestra, "Prophets" Rabbi Heschel inspired me to start an online community and podcast. Emelda DeCoteau
Back to Justice

The Prophets

Book Cover-The Prophets, two colors red and gold

The Prophets (1962):

Heschel offers a comprehensive study of the Hebrew prophets in this influential work. He highlights the prophetic call to social justice and ethical behavior, emphasizing the prophets’ role in challenging injustice and promoting a deeper understanding of God’s will. This work was adapted from his dissertation Das prophetische Bewuβstein (Prophetic Consciousness).

Related Content

Rabbi Heschel is quoted as having said we must fight nihilism. He meant it then, and if he were alive today, he would mean it now. Jane West Walsh, EdD How could one ever top an invitation from a brilliant scholar, my most unforgettable professor? Rabbi Moshe Pomerantz  Meeting Pope Pius VI
Back to Justice

Who Is Man?

Book Cover-Who is Man

Who Is Man? (1965)

Heschel reflects on the nature of humanity and the purpose of existence in this philosophical work. He discusses the unique qualities that distinguish humans from other beings and explores the ethical responsibilities that come with human existence.

Related Content

His words are as profound and meaningful in 2023 as they were in 1963. Dr. Shawn Parry-Giles "Be Here Tomorrow" Podcast with Kenyon Phillips We, his readers, Jewish and Christian, stood in wonder before it – not before him, but before his ability to “walk with God.” Rabbi David R. Blumenthal, PhD