"Presents a highly compelling theory about the core principles of Heschel's corpus that demands that his thought be studied anew." —Robert Erlewine, Illinois Wesleyan University
(Robert Erlewine, Illinois Wesleyan University)
"Heschel's work and thought have rarely been subjected to careful, critical exploration. Shai Held's book is a watershed in this regard. It is philosophically and theologically sophisticated, leaves no stone unturned in its effort to clarify the main themes and foundational commitments that shaped Heschel's thinking, and employs a rich array of contextual factors, including attention to developments in Christian theology and philosophical thinking." —Michael L. Morgan, Indiana University Bloomington
(Michael L. Morgan, Indiana University Bloomington)
"In this lucid and learned account, Abraham Joshua Heschel emerges as a dialectical thinker who holds together such "opposites" as theology and spirituality, the transcendence and self-transcendence of God, the presence and absence of God, the humanity and divinity of the Bible, and prayer as praise and lament. A powerful challenge to Jewish and Christian readers as well as those who stand outside biblical traditions, including secular readers." —Merold Westphal, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Fordham University
(Merold Westphal, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Fordham University)
"A masterful work of scholarship and careful thought. In Shai Held, Heschel has found the serious and critical reader he so richly deserves. Through Heschel, Held's work reaches out more broadly to treat us to a profound discussion of the great issues in contemporary Jewish theology." —Arthur Green, Hebrew College Rabbinical School
(Arthur Green, Hebrew College Rabbinical School)
"This is an important book for everyone who wants to understand one of the most significant religious thinkers of modern times. It brings the man whom Reinhold Neibuhr described as 'one of Eastern Europe’s greatest spiritual gifts to America' to the attention of a new generation, which needs his warning and his vision." —JNS.org
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JNS.org)
"Shai Held’s book is a master class in one of the most significant Jewish voices of our time." —Tablet
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Tablet)
"In this lucid and elegant study, one of the keenest minds in Jewish theology in our time probes the vision of one of the most profound spiritual writers of the twentieth century, uncovering a unity that others have missed and shedding light not only on Heschel but also on the characteristically modern habits of mind that impede the knowledge of God. The book is especially valuable for the connections it draws with other philosophers, theologians, and spiritual writers, Jewish and Christian. Enthusiastically recommended!" —Jon D. Levenson, Harvard University
(Jon D. Levenson, Harvard University)