Between God and Man: An Interpretation of Judaism

by Abraham Joshua Heschel

From Simon & Schuster, Between God and Man is Abraham Heschel's interpretation of Judaism with a new forward from David Hartman.

Abraham Heschel's classic work, originally published in 1965, now with a new Introduction by noted Jewish theologian David Hartman, examines questions of faith, divinity, self-sufficiency, and other basic tenets of Judaism.

Genres: Judaism, Religion, Jewish, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Spirituality

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1965

About the author

Abraham Joshua Heschel was a Polish-born Jewish-American rabbi, theologian, philosopher, poet, and one of the most influential Jewish thinkers of the twentieth century. Raised in a distinguished Hasidic family in Warsaw, he received a traditional yeshiva education before pursuing advanced studies in philosophy and Jewish scholarship in Berlin, where he earned a doctorate and rabbinic ordination. Alongside his academic work, he wrote Yiddish poetry and developed an intellectual approach that combined classical Jewish tradition with modern philosophical inquiry. Following his arrest and deportation from Germany during the Nazi persecution of Jews, Heschel briefly returned to Poland before escaping to London and eventually immigrating to the United States in 1940. Many members of his family perished during the Holocaust, an experience that profoundly shaped his moral outlook and religious thought. After teaching at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, he joined the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York, where he served for the rest of his career as professor of Jewish ethics and mysticism. Heschel gained international recognition through influential books including Man Is Not Alone, God in Search of Man, The Sabbath, The Prophets, and Who Is Man?, works that explored faith, revelation, prayer, prophecy, and the relationship between humanity and God. Drawing on the Hebrew prophets, Hasidic spirituality, Kabbalah, and medieval Jewish philosophy, he emphasized wonder, reverence, and the belief that religious life must unite intellectual reflection with ethical action. His writings argued that God seeks a relationship with humanity and that genuine spirituality demands compassion, justice, and responsibility rather than mere ritual observance. Heschel rejected purely legalistic interpretations of Judaism, insisting that inner devotion and moral sensitivity were inseparable from religious practice. Beyond scholarship, he became a prominent public voice for human rights and social justice. Inspired by the prophetic tradition, he actively supported the American Civil Rights Movement, marching beside Martin Luther King Jr. in the historic Selma to Montgomery march, an experience he famously described by saying that he felt as though his "feet were praying." He also spoke forcefully against racial segregation, poverty, and the Vietnam War, believing that religious conviction required engagement with the moral crises of society. Heschel further played an important role in improving relations between Jews and Christians by advising representatives of the Catholic Church during the Second Vatican Council, helping encourage changes in teachings concerning Judaism. His commitment to interfaith dialogue reflected his conviction that no single religious community possesses a monopoly on spiritual truth and that authentic faith fosters mutual respect. Through his scholarship, teaching, public activism, and enduring literary legacy, Heschel transformed modern Jewish thought while influencing theologians, philosophers, religious leaders, civil rights advocates, and readers around the world. His works continue to inspire discussions of spirituality, ethics, human dignity, and the enduring responsibility to unite contemplation with courageous action in the pursuit of justice.

Reviews

[Jeremy Randall]

One of those books full of paragraphs that I underlines entirely and wanted to think about forever and other chapters that I completely skipped because I was all "NOPE!!! get this out of here"
As a noob to Jewish mysticism and one that sits in the echelon of Christianity that currently has thrown out the bathwater completely but kinda wants the baby to learn how to cook lunch I came to this book just wanting some thoughts provoked. Which it beautifully did. Heschel is a man that was not sequestered in only Jewish thought. He references his time and those around him in a whirlwind of "we have always kept to this view but I get it" type passages.

I think I will return to this book for a multiple of reasons. But as I finished I lay on my bed next to the dog and thought "Just let it land" because the last paragraph ended oddly. Like a stew that has no flavour and you were looking forward to it all day.

Where to now and with who? And why?

[Hugh]

While I fundamentally disagree with some of Heschel’s premises and outlines for the relationship between faith and law, his description of the Judaic covenant between man and god is nothing but awe inspiring. Tends to repeat himself at points but nothing that harms to the strength of his message. Honestly, a really comfy book that dispels a lot of notions about the “god of Leviticus.”

[Eilidh McClain]

Heschel's writing and logic is clear, concise, empathetic, and supported by Torah and Rabbinical literature. I enjoyed his matter-of-factness and allegory in showing his arguments. This text is a must-read for anybody wanting to dive into the philosophy of an involved Jewish life. Far from being dry, Heschel's work is enrapturing and beautifully written.

[Clayton Christopher]

Heschel is the type of theologian that is capable of showcasing what a religious tradition can be at its best. I always appreciate someone who is deeply committed to their tradition and can humbly acknowledge the absolute sublimity of the divine at the same time.

[Katie]

This book is a compilation of other writings by Jewish philosopher Abraham J. Heschel organized by topic. It kind of meanders, and Heschel's writing style can be a bit dense, but it definitely pretty thought-provoking for any religious person, even if you're not Jewish. I found the parts about identifying the presence of God in life and the world to be particularly valuable and interesting.

[Keith Uffman]

Heschel is one writer that many Christians should read.