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

Heschel was a descendant of preeminent rabbinic families of Europe, both on his father's (Moshe Mordechai Heschel, who died of influenza in 1916) and mother's (Reizel Perlow Heschel) side, and a descendant of Rebbe Avrohom Yehoshua Heshl of Apt and other dynasties. He was the youngest of six children including his siblings: Sarah, Dvora Miriam, Esther Sima, Gittel, and Jacob. In his teens he received a traditional yeshiva education, and obtained traditional semicha, rabbinical ordination. He then studied at the University of Berlin, where he obtained his doctorate, and at the Hochschule für die Wissenschaft des Judentums, where he earned a second liberal rabbinic ordination.

Reviews

[Jeremy Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heschel is one writer that many Christians should read.