Abraham Joshua Heschel Biography

Abraham Heschel, born into a family of esteemed rabbis, was destined to follow a path deeply rooted in Judaism. However, he went on to develop his own unique perspective on spirituality and religion. Through extensive study of ancient Jewish scriptures and his affiliation with the reformed Jewish cult, Heschel embraced a modern interpretation of the faith. He believed that true connection with the divine could only be achieved through acts of service and good deeds. Heschel was not only a scholar, but also a passionate advocate for social justice, actively protesting against discrimination and war. His time at the ‘Jewish Theological Seminary’ saw the publication of numerous works on Jewish philosophy, covering various aspects of Judaism. To delve deeper into the life and contributions of Abraham Heschel, continue reading.

Quick Facts

  • Also Known As: Abraham Heschel, Abraham Joseph Heschel
  • Died At Age: 65
  • Family: children: Susannah Heschel
  • Quotes By Abraham Joshua Heschel
  • Theologians
  • Died on: December 23, 1972
  • Place of death: New York
  • City: Warsaw, Poland
  • More Facts
  • Education: 1933 – Humboldt University of Berlin
  • Awards: Guggenheim Fellowship for Humanities US & Canada – 1954, National Jewish Book Award for Modern Jewish Thought & Experience – 1970

Childhood & Early Life

Abraham Joshua Heschel was born on January 11, 1907, in Warsaw, Poland. He came from a prominent Hasidic family and was one of six children. When he was nine years old, his father passed away from Influenza.

Education

Heschel received his education in a traditional Jewish institution called a Yeshiva. He later pursued his doctorate in Rabbi Ordination from the University of Berlin in 1934. He continued his theological studies at the Higher Institute for Jewish Studies in Berlin.

Career

Heschel began his career in 1933 with a poetry group called ‘Jung Vilna’. He published a collection of poems in Yiddish dedicated to his father. In 1937, he headed the Judisches Lehrhaus, an adult education center for Jewish learning in Frankfurt. Before World War II, he was deported to Poland and taught at the Institute for Jewish Studies, where he focused on Judaism and the Torah.

Escape and Move to New York

Heschel managed to escape Poland and moved to London in 1939. However, he lost most of his family in the war. In 1940, he moved to New York City and taught at the Hebrew Union College. He later became a professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, where he taught Jewish ethics and published works on Jewish philosophy.

Major Works

In 1951, Heschel published two significant works: ‘The Sabbath: Its Meaning for Modern Man’ and ‘Man is Not Alone: A Philosophy of Religion’. These books explore the Jewish perception of God and the importance of spirituality. In 1955, he published ‘God in Search of Man: A Philosophy of Judaism’, which discusses the need for service towards humanity.

Later Works and Legacy

In 1962, Heschel published ‘The Prophets’, which summarizes the works of German prophets and includes his own interpretations. He also published ‘Torah min HaShamayim’ in the same year, which compares rabbinical literature to Jewish laws. Heschel held the position of a professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary until his death on December 23, 1972. He was known for his social activism and opposition to the Vietnam War.

Personal Life

Heschel married Sylvia Strauss in 1946, and they had a daughter named Susannah Heschel in 1956. Susannah Heschel has carried on her father’s religious legacy and is a noted Jewish feminist.

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