Abraham Joshua Heschel and Theology After the Holocaust Matthew Ae Net Denison University
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Theological Affinities in the Writings of Abraham Joshua Heschel and Martin Luther King, Jr.*
Theological Affinities in the Writings of Abraham Joshua Heschel and Martin Luther King, Jr.* Susannah Heschel T he photograph of Abraham Joshua Heschel walking arm in arm with Mar tin Luther King, Jr. in the front row of marchers at Selma has become an icon of American Jewish life, and of Black-Jewish relations. Reprinted in Jewish textbooks, synagogue bulletins, and in studies of ecumenical relations, the pic ture has come to symbolize the great moment of symbiosis of the two commu nities, Black and Jewish, which today seems shattered. When Jesse Jackson, Andrew Young, Henry Gates, or Cornel West speak of the relationship between Blacks and Jews as it might be, and as they wish it would become, they invoke the moments when Rabbi Heschel and Dr. King marched arm in arm at Selma, prayed together in protest at Arlington National Cemetery, and stood side by side in the pulpit of Riverside Church. The relationship between the two men began in January 1963, and was a genuine friendship of affection as well as a relationship of two colleagues working together in political causes. As King encouraged Heschel’s involve ment in the Civil Rights movement, Heschel encouraged King to take a pub lic stance against the war in Vietnam. When the Conservative rabbis of Amer ica gathered in 1968 to celebrate HeschePs sixtieth birthday, the keynote speaker they invited was King. Ten days later, when King was assassinated, Heschel was the rabbi Mrs. King invited to speak at his funeral. 126 Susannah Heschel 127 What is considered so remarkable about their relationship is the incon gruity of Heschel, a refugee from Hitler’s Europe who was born into a Hasidic rebbe’s family in Warsaw, with a long white beard and yarmulke, involving himself in the cause of Civil Rights. -
A Fresh Perspective on the History of Hasidic Judaism
eSharp Issue 20: New Horizons A Fresh Perspective on the History of Hasidic Judaism Eva van Loenen (University of Southampton) Introduction In this article, I shall examine the history of Hasidic Judaism, a mystical,1 ultra-orthodox2 branch of Judaism, which values joyfully worshipping God’s presence in nature as highly as the strict observance of the laws of Torah3 and Talmud.4 In spite of being understudied, the history of Hasidic Judaism has divided historians until today. Indeed, Hasidic Jewish history is not one monolithic, clear-cut, straightforward chronicle. Rather, each scholar has created his own narrative and each one is as different as its author. While a brief introduction such as this cannot enter into all the myriad divergences and similarities between these stories, what I will attempt to do here is to incorporate and compare an array of different views in order to summarise the history of Hasidism and provide a more objective analysis, which has not yet been undertaken. Furthermore, my historical introduction in Hasidic Judaism will exemplify how mystical branches of mainstream religions might develop and shed light on an under-researched division of Judaism. The main focus of 1 Mystical movements strive for a personal experience of God or of his presence and values intuitive, spiritual insight or revelationary knowledge. The knowledge gained is generally ‘esoteric’ (‘within’ or hidden), leading to the term ‘esotericism’ as opposed to exoteric, based on the external reality which can be attested by anyone. 2 Ultra-orthodox Jews adhere most strictly to Jewish law as the holy word of God, delivered perfectly and completely to Moses on Mount Sinai. -
Arguing with God: a Rhetorical Analysis of 'The God Debates'
MPC MAJOR RESEARCH PAPER Arguing with God: A Rhetorical Analysis of ‘The God Debates’ VIN HENEY 500467928 Supervisor: Dr. Jean Mason The Major Research Paper is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Professional Communication Ryerson University Toronto, Ontario, Canada July 18, 2012 ARGUING WITH GOD ii ARGUING WITH GOD AUTHOR'S DECLARATION FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF A MAJOR RESEARCH PAPER I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this Major Research Paper and the accompanying Research Poster. This is a true copy of the MRP and the research poster, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners. I authorize Ryerson University to lend this major research paper and/or poster to other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. I further authorize Ryerson University to reproduce this MRP and/or poster by photocopying or by other means, in total or in part, at the request of other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. I understand that my MRP and/or my MRP research poster may be made electronically available to the public. iii ARGUING WITH GOD ABSTRACT Recently published pro-atheist Books By Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens have reignited the age-old debate aBout the existence of God. Many pro-faith Books have Been written in response. The deliberations Between theists and atheists have moved Beyond the written word and onto the PuBlic deBate Platform. The Present PaPer oBserves three such ‘God deBates’ through the theoretical lens of rhetoric. Using a modified grounded theory approach, and Borrowing from literature concerning PuBlic deBates and religious rhetoric, a number of rhetorical strategies are identified. -
This Inspiring and Eminently Readable Book by John C
“This inspiring and eminently readable book by John C. Merkle, Heschel’s leading Christian interpreter, provides a lucid introduction to the Jewish thinker and activist’s God-centered thought. Written with earnestness, analytical subtlety, and faith, Approaching God demonstrates how Heschel’s radical interpretations of traditional Judaism can favor theological humility, religious diversity, and interfaith dialogue.” — Edward K. Kaplan Kaiserman Professor in Humanities, Brandeis University Author of Spiritual Radical: Abraham Joshua Heschel in America “John Merkle has pondered the thought of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel for many years. In Approaching God, Merkle provides readers with a discerning analysis of the wisdom of this eminent religious figure. Those who follow Merkle’s sensitive exploration of Heschel will partake of this wisdom themselves.” — Mary C. Boys, S.N.J.M. Skinner and McAlpin Professor of Practical Theology, Union Theological Seminary Author of Has God Only One Blessing? Judaism as a Source of Christian Self-Understanding “John Merkle has produced a first-class study of the life and writings of Abraham Joshua Heschel, a man who has deeply influenced today’s generation of theologians. Merkle has engaged thoughtfully with Heschel’s approach to the divine-human encounter and Approaching God will be welcomed by Jews and Christians alike. Readers of this work are extremely fortunate to benefit from the author’s lifelong interest in Heschel. The book not only provides an insight into this hugely significant Jewish theologian but also offers profound wisdom on the spiritual journey, daily undertaken by each and everyone of us.” — Edward Kessler Executive Director, Woolf Institute of Abrahamic Faiths, Cambridge, England Author of What Do Jews Believe? “Here is a lucid, powerful, and beautiful guide to one of the most compelling theolo- gians of our time. -
Below Are Recommendations of Non-Fiction Books of Jewish Content from a Small Group of People Involved in Jewish Engagement and Education
Below are recommendations of non-fiction books of Jewish content from a small group of people involved in Jewish engagement and education. The authors of these books span most of the range of Jewish practice and ideology. The list may look extensive, but there is much more to choose from. Feel free to ask your friends, neighbors and clergy for recommendations. Ports of Entry: Introductory Jewish Books Shimon Apisdorf, Judaism in a Nutshell (series: Passover, Israel, G-D etc.) Thomas Cahill, The Gifts of the Jews Arthur Green, Judaism's 10 Best Ideas: A Guide for Seekers Esther Jundgreis, The Committed Life Kerry M. Olitzky, Introducing My Faith and My Community: The Jewish Outreach Institute Guide for the Christians in a Jewish Interfaith Relationship Dennis Prager and Joseph Telushkin, Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism Mayer Schiller, The Road Back Joseph Telushkin, Jewish Literacy Shmuel Waldman, Beyond A Reasonable Doubt American Jewish Experience Stephen Birmingham, “Our Crowd:” The Great Jewish Families of New York Arnold Eisen, The Chosen People in America Arnold Eisen & Steve Cohen , The Jew Within: Self, Family, and Community in America Eli N. Evans, Judah P. Benjamin: The Jewish Confederate Irving Howe, World of Our Fathers: The Journey of the East European Jews to America and the Life They Found and Made Michael Krasny, Let There Be Laughter: A Treasury of Great Jewish Humor And What It All Means Jonathan Sarna, American Judaism: A History Ron Wolfson, The Spirituality of Welcoming: How to Transform Your Congregation into -
Box Folder 67 4 Syllabi. 1990-1991
MS-763: Rabbi Herbert A. Friedman Collection, 1930-2004. Series I: Wexner Heritage Foundation, 1947-2004. Subseries 1: General Files, 1949-2004. Box Folder 67 4 Syllabi. 1990-1991. For more information on this collection, please see the finding aid on the American Jewish Archives website. 3101 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220 513.487.3000 AmericanJewishArchives.org WEXNER HERITAGE FOUNDATION Rabbi Irwin Kula • Houston/ 1990-1991 Academic Year Session fl: Are We the Chosen People? If We Are, What Are We Chosen For? As we near the end of the century, we as a people have ensured our physical survival to an unprecedented extent. We have attained levels of power, affluence and freedom that have radically altered the way we look at Jewish believing (faith), belonging (community) and behaving (halacha). Having ensured our physical survival, the question is now: survival for what? Having created a Jewish politics, what is the content of our Jewish culture? In this session we will explore some of the fundamental building blocks of Jewish thought and self-perception. What can we know or believe about God? What is the relationship between God and Torah (i. e ., revelation)? What do we mean by the notion that tbe Torah is the word of God? What is the nature and extent of the authority that God, Torah and Halacha can have in our lives? What do we mean by "chosen people"? "redemption"? "messiah"? Most important, how does what we believe about these issues • affect the communities that we build? Readings: Tanach, Genesis l; 12 Exodus 19; 20; 33:17 - 34:7 Deuteronomy 26:1-11; 30:15-20 Amos 1:1 - 3:2 Isaiah 2:1- 4 Abraham Joshua Heschel, God in Search of Man, pp. -
The Genius and Limitations of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik Z"L
The Genius and Limitations of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik z"l Byline: Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo is Dean of the David Cardozo Academy in Jerusalem. Thoughts to Ponder 529 The Genius and Limitations of Rabbi Joseph Ber Soloveitchik z”l * Nathan Lopes Cardozo Based on an introduction to a discussion between Professor William Kolbrener and Professor Elliott Malamet (1) Honoring the publication of Professor William Kolbrener’s new book “The Last Rabbi” (2) Yad Harav Nissim, Jerusalem, on Feb. 1, 2017 Dear Friends, I never had the privilege of meeting Rav Soloveitchik z”l or learning under him. But I believe I have read all of his books on Jewish philosophy and Halacha, and even some of his Talmudic novellae and halachic decisions. I have also spoken with many of his students. Here are my impressions. No doubt Rav Soloveitchik was a Gadol Ha-dor (a great sage of his generation). He was a supreme Talmudist and certainly one of the greatest religious thinkers of our time. His literary output is incredible. Still, I believe that he was not a mechadesh – a man whose novel ideas really moved the Jewish tradition forward, especially regarding Halacha. He did not solve major halachic problems. This may sound strange, because almost no one has written as many novel ideas about Halacha as Rav Soloveitchik (3). His masterpiece, Halakhic Man, is perhaps the prime example. Before Rav Soloveitchik appeared on the scene, nobody – surely not in mainstream Orthodoxy – had seriously dealt with the ideology and philosophy of Halacha (4). Page 1 In fact, the reverse is true. -
Some Forlorn Writings of a Forgotten Ashkenazi Prophet NOTE R
T HE J EWISH Q UARTERLY R EVIEW, Vol. 95, No. 1 (Winter 2005) 183–196 Some Forlorn Writings of a Forgotten Ashkenazi Prophet NOTE R. Nehemiah ben Shlomo ha-Navi’ MOSHE IDEL O WING TO RECENT STUDIES on Haside Ashkenaz, especially by Jo- seph Dan, and the publication of some of the Ashkenazi material from manuscripts, we have a better picture of the literature produced from the early decades of the thirteenth century.1 Of paramount importance to this literature is the distinction Dan drew between different schools emerging out of the Ashkenazi masters. He proposed to distinguish between the main line represented by the writings of the Kalonymite school of R. Yehudah he-Hasid and R. Eleazar of Worms, on the one hand, and the school, which he described as the ‘‘school of the special cherub,’’ on the other.2 In addition, he drew attention to, and eventually printed and ana- lyzed, material that did not belong to either of the two schools and is found in anonymous manuscripts.3 More recently, in an innovative article dealing with the occurrence of the syntagm ‘‘Yeshu‘a Sar ha-panim,’’ Yehudah Liebes has noted dispa- rate anonymous writings found mostly in manuscripts, which belong to an Ashkenazi school, that he called the ‘‘circle of Sefer ha-h. eshek.’’4 He 1. See especially Dan’s The Esoteric Theology of Ashkenazi Hasidism (Hebrew; Jerusalem, 1968); Studies in Ashkenazi-Hasidic Literature (Hebrew; Ramat Gan, 1975); and The ‘‘Unique Cherub’’ Circle (Tu¨ bingen, 1999). 2. Dan, Esoteric Theology, 156–63; Studies, 89–111; The ‘‘Unique Cherub’’ Circle, passim. -
BIBH 6320 Studies in Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust
ONLINE BIBH 6320 Studies in Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust Fall 2016] August 22– October 9 Professor Name: Dr. Lois E. Olena Cell: 417-880-6012 [email protected] Course Description A study of anti-Semitism through the centuries and its origins. 3 semester hours. Professor’s Comment This course will portray the Holocaust as a defining moment in history for all humanity—Jews and non- Jews, gentile believers and Jewish believers. Following an overview of the historical context of the Holocaust, specific topics related to the Holocaust itself will be considered, such as its causes and victims; timeline of events; the struggle to emigrate; perpetrators, bystanders, resisters, and rescuers; means of survival; liberators and witnesses; aftermath; and connection to the State of Israel. The class will become familiar with and discover the significance of various means of reflection on the Holocaust—such as oral history, art, music, literature, media, and poetry—and will address specific post-Holocaust issues and realities such as post-Holocaust theology, Holocaust denial, and the “new” anti-Semitism. Student Learning Outcomes The student who successfully completes Program Institutional Assignment this course will be able to: Outcomes* Outcomes* For Assessing the Outcome 1. Demonstrate the major components of Demonstrate a Demonstrate the Weekly pre-Christian, religious, and modern anti- knowledge of ability to do Reflection/Analysis Semitism and show how the Holocaust fits Messianic Jewish research on a Paper, Exams, into that historical context. history, theology post-secondary Discussions and practice. level. 2. Name the key perpetrators and main Demonstrate a Demonstrate the Weekly events of the Holocaust. -
A Very Narrow Bridge
Rabbi Jay TelRav Yom Kippur Sermon 5780 A Very Narrow Bridge Earlier this year, my wife and I took our very first vacation without our children. Our son is coming up on his 9th birthday which gives you an idea how much we were looking forward to this. We planned the trip months ahead and decided on Barcelona. A city full of the things we craved like architecture and museums. We visited the masterpieces of the architect, Antoni Gaudi, and we went to the Picasso museum. We ate leisurely at a late hour and woke up calmly to sit in a cafe reading while drinking our espressos. It was the perfect escape from children! While we were taking our time in the Picasso museum, Julie decided to try to help me understand the work of the artist. We spent time on a series of works based on a masterpiece by Diego Velasquez called “Las Meninas”.1 While the original was classical renaissance style – very realistic, Picasso developed the characters and the setting using his own modernist style. He created hundreds of studies and developed each individual subject over and over again until he captured just what he was searching for. Each person in the original was still in the same location and the composition was the same but, beyond that, it was almost unrecognizable as a recreation of Las Meninas. Then, while we were talking about it, Julie said something that stuck with me. She said “Picasso is painting what he sees. He is not lying.” What an interesting way to think about the work of an artist. -
Kabbalah As a Shield Against the “Scourge” of Biblical Criticism: a Comparative Analysis of the Torah Commentaries of Elia Benamozegh and Mordecai Breuer
Kabbalah as a Shield against the “Scourge” of Biblical Criticism: A Comparative Analysis of the Torah Commentaries of Elia Benamozegh and Mordecai Breuer Adiel Cohen The belief that the Torah was given by divine revelation, as defined by Maimonides in his eighth principle of faith and accepted collectively by the Jewish people,1 conflicts with the opinions of modern biblical scholarship.2 As a result, biblical commentators adhering to both the peshat (literal or contex- tual) method and the belief in the divine revelation of the Torah, are unable to utilize the exegetical insights associated with the documentary hypothesis developed by Wellhausen and his school, a respected and accepted academic discipline.3 As Moshe Greenberg has written, “orthodoxy saw biblical criticism in general as irreconcilable with the principles of Jewish faith.”4 Therefore, in the words of D. S. Sperling, “in general, Orthodox Jews in America, Israel, and elsewhere have remained on the periphery of biblical scholarship.”5 However, the documentary hypothesis is not the only obstacle to the religious peshat commentator. Theological complications also arise from the use of archeolog- ical discoveries from the ancient Near East, which are analogous to the Torah and can be a very rich source for its interpretation.6 The comparison of biblical 246 Adiel Cohen verses with ancient extra-biblical texts can raise doubts regarding the divine origin of the Torah and weaken faith in its unique sanctity. The Orthodox peshat commentator who aspires to explain the plain con- textual meaning of the Torah and produce a commentary open to the various branches of biblical scholarship must clarify and demonstrate how this use of modern scholarship is compatible with his or her belief in the divine origin of the Torah. -
A Novel Look at Moshe Idel's East-West Problem
Access Provided by UCLA Library at 05/07/12 5:15PM GMT T HE J EWISH Q UARTERLY R EVIEW, Vol. 102, No. 2 (Spring 2012) 289–296 ANovelLookatMoshe Idel’s East-West Problem DAVID N. MYERS UCLA MOSHE IDEL. Old Worlds, New Mirrors: On Jewish Mysticism and Twentieth- Century Thought. Jewish Culture and Contexts. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2009. Pp. 336. FOR MANY OF US in the field of Jewish studies, but not in the field of Kabbalah studies, our first encounter with Moshe Idel came in 1988 with the publication of his major work in English, Kabbalah: New Perspectives. Although he had been working in the field for more than a decade, from the time of his 1976 dissertation at the Hebrew University on Avraham REVIEW FORUM Abulafia, it was Kabbalah: New Perspectives that brought Idel to wide public attention, announcing his own substantial methodological and substantive disagreements with the towering figure of modern Kabbalah studies, Ger- shom Scholem. Since then, Idel has gone on to attain a position of international distinc- tion, publishing at a staggering rate in Kabbalah studies, and many fields beyond. In the process, he—like Scholem before and Wolfson and others after him—has used the study of Kabbalah as a gateway of inquiry into important methodological, theoretical, hermeneutical, philosophical, and historical questions. This leads us to the book at hand, Old Worlds, New Mirrors: On Jewish Mysticism and Twentieth-Century Thought, which is indeed an inquiry into important methodological, theoretical, philosophical, and historical ques- tions. It reflects Idel’s brilliant, capacious, probing, and wildly imagina- tive mind, as it ranges over terrain somewhat less familiar to him and his usual readers, but of critical significance to his overarching intellectual and cultural Weltanschauung.