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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.

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

In Our Time: AJC and Nostre Aetate

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Commitment to the divine imperative . . . empathy with the divine pathos. Rabbi Lenny Levin He imbued in us a sense of wonder and a commitment to justice. Lapidus & Myles The Spiritual Audacity of Abraham Joshua Heschel from "On Being"
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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

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Notes on a Friendship: Abraham Joshua Heschel and Reinhold Niebuhr

An Unlikely Friendship on Seminary Row

When a Broader Religious Pluralism Began to Flower

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He was given the gift of prophecy but also the gift of language to translate into human terms the divine concern. Rabbi Ernesto Yattah 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 open to being changed by others. Rabbi Daniel Nevins
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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.

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Heschel’s poetic and relevant way of connecting spoke to me, igniting my thinking.  Matan Daskal I was inspired by the Jewish concept of working for social change. Orly Erez Likhovski National Conference on Religion and Race
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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.

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His presentation of the unique Jewish foundation of the 'cathedral in time.' Michal Govrin National Conference on Religion and Race The Spiritual Audacity of Abraham Joshua Heschel from "On Being"
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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.

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Psalm 42: Text and Commentary Protest can be a form of prayer, heard both in the rhythm of the psalms and soles on pavement. Reverend Jamie Washam, PhD Spiritual Audacity: The Abraham Joshua Heschel Story
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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.

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Heschel in Ottawa 1967, Exploring Man Is Not Alone

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He was given the gift of prophecy but also the gift of language to translate into human terms the divine concern. Rabbi Ernesto Yattah But for that which is more real than the material world, Heschel showed me the path on which to walk. Dr. Peter Saulson Man's Quest for God
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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.

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Had it not been for him, I would have done less, cared less, thought less, lived less. Rabbi Michael Marmur, PhD Prayer is a serious and consequential matter. There is a tension between the fixed and the spontaneous prayers, which must be felt. Rabbi Rolando Matalon The Earth is the Lord's
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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.

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Fifty years later, we're in a place where dialogue is so difficult, and I celebrate Heschel who relished those moments and found many ways to be in conversation.   Rev Colin Bossen I have no doubt that my involvement in these same causes were because of his influence upon me. Rabbi Jim Lebeau This framework - inspired by Heschel's radical amazement with the world in its entirety - is most likely why I became the person I am today. Sofia Freudenstein
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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).

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The Sabbath The Spiritual Audacity of Abraham Joshua Heschel from "On Being" Protest can be a form of prayer, heard both in the rhythm of the psalms and soles on pavement. Reverend Jamie Washam, PhD
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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.

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Heschel with ABC's Frank Reynolds Heschel and the Vietnam War He articulated my personal beliefs about Judaism and God. Matthew Bar