Abraham Joshua Heschel

The philosophical and theological inquiries of Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972) are closely related to his life story. Born in Warsaw, he was preceded and influenced by seven generations of Hasidic masters. He ended up becoming one of the greatest exponents of this Jewish tradition that originated in Eastern Europe in the 18th century. Throughout his life, Heschel upheld Jewish traditions and, based on them, adopted a political and social stance that advocated the humanisation of all people. Drawing on the prophetic message, he argued that religion should take on the role of denouncing injustices and criticising the dehumanisation of modern society. His religious-humanist legacy compels us to question ethics in modern society and our position in the world. Heschelian thought invites modern man to an existential reunion with the mystery that is the divine presence in the world. His ideas are a fundamental reference for interreligious dialogue and the fight against all forms of religious intolerance.