Abraham Joshua Heschel: Prophetic Witness

by Edward K. Kaplan, Samuel H. Dresner

This is the first volume of the first biography of Abraham Joshua Heschel, one of the outstanding Jewish thinkers of the twentieth century. Edward K. Kaplan and Samuel H. Dresner trace Heschel’s life from his birth in Warsaw in 1907 to his emigration to the United States in 1940, describing his roots in Hasidic culture, his experiences in Poland and Germany, and his relations with Martin Buber.
?This first volume of a remarkable biography of one of the greatest Jewish thinkers and social activists of his generation must take its place in every home, in every library, Jewish and gentile alike. Written with warmth, passion, and grace, it offers the reader an insight into the man Heschel, whose teaching has uniquely influenced modern theology and inspired moral commitment.”?Elie Wiesel
"This book is simply stunning! . . . The authors . . . have a profound understanding of Heschel’s inner life, and they use all this information in order to craft a powerful portrait of a human being.”?Jack Riemer, Commonweal
?Th[is] long-awaited biography of Heschel cover[s] the author’s youth in Warsaw and education in Vilna and Berlin. . . . Kaplan and Dresner’s biography will hold broad popular interest while providing academics an important starting point from which to investigate critically the life and thought of this important thinker.”?Zachary Braiterman, Religious Studies Review
?Critical, careful attention [is paid] to Heschel’s words.”?Laurie Adlerstein, New York Times Book Review

Genres: Judaism, Biography, Religion, Theology, Autobiography, Philosophy

416 pages, Hardcover

First published May 25, 1998

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A review may be forthcoming in a few days if I feel I can do justice to this book.

[Michael Lewyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book gives a nice sense of the many cultures of Heschel's early years: not just the Hasidic Eastern Europe of his youth, but also Vilna (a center not just of yeshivot but of secular Yiddish intellectual life), Berlin and Frankfurt. Heschel was especially productive in the latter cities.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult read but very, very worthwhile. Heschel is a man who truly loved God. A bridge person and a person who treasured Wonder. One of my heroes!

[Helena Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cling to his every word.