Abraham Joshua Heschel
- Born:
- January 11, 1907, Warsaw, Congress Poland, Russian Empire
- Died:
- December 23, 1972, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American (naturalized)
- Profession(s):
- Rabbi, Theologian, Philosopher, Professor
Early Life and Education
- Born into a prominent Hasidic rabbinical family.
- Received traditional Jewish education, mastering Talmud and rabbinic literature.
- Pursued secular studies at the University of Berlin and the Hochschule für die Wissenschaft des Judentums.
- Earned a doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Berlin in 1933.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served as a teacher and scholar in Germany before immigrating to the United States in 1940.
- Taught at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati.
- Became a professor of Jewish ethics and mysticism at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York City.
- Actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement and the anti-Vietnam War movement.
- Participated in the Second Vatican Council as an observer, promoting interfaith dialogue with the Catholic Church.
Notable Works
- Man Is Not Alone: A Philosophy of Religion (1951)
- God in Search of Man: A Philosophy of Judaism (1955)
- The Sabbath (1951)
- The Prophets (1962)
- Who Is Man? (1965)
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Legacy and Impact
- Heschel's theological contributions emphasized the importance of religious experience, awe, and wonder.
- His work significantly influenced Jewish thought and spirituality in the 20th century.
- He is remembered as a prominent voice for social justice and interfaith understanding.
- Heschel's writings continue to inspire scholars, theologians, and activists today.