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Heschel : G-d in Search of Man

Ten Minutes for Torah・68 minutes read

Abraham Joshua Heschel's work delves into the relationship between God and man, emphasizing the living presence of God and rejecting the dichotomy of the holy and the good. His philosophy focuses on discovering the questions religion answers, viewing the Bible as a vibrant narrative bursting with life.

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Rabbi Heschel's philosophy emphasizes the living presence of God in religion, focusing on the relationship between humans and God while rejecting the separation of the holy and the good.
The Torah, according to Rabbi Heschel, is not merely a collection of stories or principles but a vibrant narrative that explores the deep connection between humans and God, emphasizing the quest for righteousness and the significance of awe and fear of God in human life.

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Who was Abraham Joshua Heschel?
A doctor, rabbi, and prolific writer.

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Summary

00:00

Abraham Joshua Heschel: Legacy of Faith

The focus is on Abraham Joshua Heschel's work, particularly "God in Search of Man," alongside other writings like "Man's Quest for God" and "The Insecurity of Freedom."
Heschel, a doctor and rabbi, had a rich background and was born in 1907, with strong Hasidic roots and a diverse scholarly journey.
Despite facing challenges in Germany and Warsaw, Heschel found his academic home at the Jewish Theological Seminary, known for his unique writing style.
Heschel's legacy extends beyond academia, with his works widely read in Christian circles and his involvement in the Vatican II Council.
He was an ecumenicist, advocating for a pluralistic view of religions, which was not universally accepted.
Heschel's notable act of marching with Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma is a significant part of his legacy.
His philosophy of religion focuses on discovering the questions to which religion provides answers, emphasizing the living presence of God.
Heschel's work delves into the relationship between God and man, rejecting the dichotomy of the holy and the good.
He views the Bible as a vibrant narrative bursting with life, rejecting attempts to reduce it to mere principles or a catalog of events.
Heschel's writing style is characterized by profound one-liners and footnotes referencing a broad range of Jewish sources, reflecting his unique approach to philosophy and religion.

14:37

"The Torah: Relationship Between Humans and God"

The Torah is about believing in stories and events like the Exodus, creation, and Mount Sinai.
Some people view the Bible as naive poetry and mythology, while others see it as teaching similar ideas to philosophers like Plato and Aristotle.
Rejecting both views, the essential thought of the Torah is about the relationship between humans and God.
The Bible begins with creation and ends with the destruction of the temple, emphasizing the deep relationship between humans and God.
The Bible contains both words of inspiration and human search for God, reflecting the complexity of the Torah.
The Jewish soul continues to crave a relationship with God, as seen in the writings of poets like Judah Halevi.
Three trails lead to God: sensing His presence in the world, in the Bible, and in sacred deeds.
Rabbi Heschel discusses finding God in the world through exploitation, enjoyment, and awe.
The Hebrew approach to learning is to revere more as they learn, contrasting with the Greek idea of knowledge leading to humility.
If the world is solely about power and success, people may only find the "golden calf" instead of truly seeking God.

29:20

Rediscovering Wonder: Rabbi Heschel on Shabbos

Rabbi Heschel discusses the importance of understanding the true meaning of Shabbos, emphasizing the need for excitement and awe in its observance.
He highlights the theme of biblical poetry, focusing on the grandeur and sublime aspects rather than just the beauty of nature.
The awe of nature in biblical poetry is about recognizing a meaning greater than oneself, leading to a sense of wonder and amazement.
Heschel explains that the sublime in biblical poetry reflects the presence of God, evoking reactions of wonder and amazement.
He laments the lack of wonder and amazement in modern times, essential for spiritual growth, suggesting a need to rediscover it through experiences like meditation.
The concept of "the earth is filled with the glory of God" is not about physical phenomena but signifies the goodness of God, emphasizing the essence of God's actions.
Heschel debunks the idea that nature is everything, asserting that nature's order reflects the will of God and remains dependent on Him.
He delves into the idea of God's presence in everything, even inanimate objects, reflecting a pantheistic view where everything sings to God.
Heschel explores the ineffable essence of things, beyond human comprehension, leading to creative expressions in art, religion, and moral living.
He challenges the argument from design, shifting the focus from how things came into being to why they exist, emphasizing the deeper questions of existence and purpose over mere creation.

43:50

"Judaism: Inspiring Sacrifice, Transcendence, and Connection"

Asheville was described as charismatic and inspiring, living a deeply inspired Judaism.
Rituals and concepts should be viewed as windows, not screens, to the numinous and mysterious.
The greatness of man lies in sacrificing personal needs for a higher purpose, not in satisfying ego.
Heroism in Judaism is standing above personal needs for a greater cause.
Religion should not be seen as solely meeting personal needs but as a call to transcend oneself.
Worship can lead to understanding the spiritual relevance of man and his connection to God.
There is a certainty within us that drives us to ask ultimate questions, beyond formalization.
God's concern for man is the underlying message in religious texts, not just personal spiritual growth.
Moments of awe and mystery compel us to ask ultimate questions, revealing God's presence.
Man's mind may not comprehend God, but his soul can open translucent windows to the divine.

58:19

"Loneliness leads to salvation through God"

Loneliness can lead us to find God, with salvation being a significant aspect.
To hear God, one must first experience loneliness and hopelessness without Him.
Religion is about deep living and experiencing, even in moments of hopelessness.
Religion emphasizes the supreme importance of God over other aspects of life.
The Torah is seen as the essence of wisdom, not just literature or intellectual pursuit.
The Bible answers the question of what God demands of us, focusing on righteousness.
Awe and fear of God are essential to soothe the capacity for evil in humans.
The Bible is a quest for righteousness and a search for righteous individuals.
The Sabbath is a reminder of equality, independence from achievement, and holiness in time.
Judaism focuses on the purification of time, celebrating the uniqueness and holiness of each moment.

01:12:47

Exploring God in Torah and Meeting Schedule

The discussion revolves around the concept of God in the Torah.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, possibly closer to 8:30 due to Minha.

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