Joining the JTS Faculty

Letter from Heschel to JTS Chancellor Louis Finkelstein accepting a position at the seminary. — From the JTS Library

Transcription

May 29, 45

Dear Professor Finkelstein:

I wish to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of May 24 and to accept herewith the invitation to join the faculty of The Jewish Theological Seminary.

In accepting this great task and high distinction I am fully aware of the responsibility it implies.

אֲנִי מִתְפַּלֵּל שֶׁלֹּא תֶאֱרַע תַּקָלָה עַל יָדִי

I pray that no mishap should occur on my account¹

I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Cordially yours,

Abraham Heschel

This quote is taken from Mishnah Berakhot 4:2. Rabbi Neḥunya ben Hakana would say this blessing upon entering and leaving the study hall. ↩︎