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Meeting Pope Paul 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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Joining the JTS Faculty The rhythm of the week (and my own sanity!) is shaped by this practice. Casper ter Kuile It was my own encounter with Heschel’s writings as an adolescent and young adult that challenged me. Rabbi Simkha Weintraub
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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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Commemorative Issue of Conservative Judaism Heschel in Ottawa, 1968 or 1969, Exploring "Shabbat as Spiritual Sanctuary" "Praying with Our Feet" Lapidus & Myles
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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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Psalm 42: Text and Commentary But for that which is more real than the material world, Heschel showed me the path on which to walk. Dr. Peter Saulson Rabbi Heschel taught the Bible and linked it to our present time with effortless elegance.  Reverend Johnnie Moore
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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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Rabbinical models such as Rabbis Heschel and Marshall inspired my decision to become a rabbi—a rabbi who takes part in “political” topics. Rabbi Mauricio Balter The Spiritual Audacity of Abraham Joshua Heschel from "On Being" His thought illuminates my way and gives me hope that at the end of the tunnel, there is light. Dr. Dror Bondi
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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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Rabbi Heschel taught the Bible and linked it to our present time with effortless elegance.  Reverend Johnnie Moore Heschel in Ottawa, 1968 or 1969, Exploring "Shabbat as Spiritual Sanctuary" 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
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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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The idea of revelation as a partnership to which both God and the people Israel make a contribution is at the core of Heschel's theology. Dr. Benjamin Sommer Rabbi Heschel taught the Bible and linked it to our present time with effortless elegance.  Reverend Johnnie Moore Israel: An Echo of Eternity
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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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Who Is Man? Commemorative Issue of Conservative Judaism That book [The Prophets]—almost more than any other—set me on the course that eventually became my life.  Rabbi Martin Cohen, PhD
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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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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 It is a guide for my life, not to be indifferent, to be engaged socially, and not to close myself in a ivory tower. Dr. Shoshana Ronen Who Is Man?
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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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But for that which is more real than the material world, Heschel showed me the path on which to walk. Dr. Peter Saulson "Be Here Tomorrow" Podcast with Kenyon Phillips 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
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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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The idea of revelation as a partnership to which both God and the people Israel make a contribution is at the core of Heschel's theology. Dr. Benjamin Sommer King and Heschel at the Rabbinical Assembly Conference Rabbi Heschel taught the Bible and linked it to our present time with effortless elegance.  Reverend Johnnie Moore