A Passion for Truth (Jewish Lights Classic Reprint)

The book analyses the thoughts of the Kotzker Rebbe by contrasting and comparing him to the Danish theologian and philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard. Few men could ever have conceived and written such an incisive work; no one else could have approached it with such an inner feel for the Hasidic tradition and yet, with a mind open to the teachings of Christian theologians.Every thought resonates with Heschel's major "popular" statements of religion and Jewish philosophy, "God in Search of Man', and "Man is not Alone". It is obvious from reading this work that Heschel's own philosophy drew heavily on the Kotzker Rebbe's teachings - strip away the adornments and seek the essence and truth.It is quite unfortunate that Heschel's major work on the Kotzker was never translated from the original Yiddish. Until such translation is published, this book alone provides both an incisive look at theological radicalism and a sense of the misdirection of most modern theories of religion.

This is a magnificent study of the life of the Kotzker. There was a bit too much about the life of Kiergegaard included but it was interesting nevertheless. One odd thing is that the book makes reference in several footnotes to a work of AJ Heschel's solely on the Kotzker that I don't believe was ever published due to Heschel's sudden death. There should be an editor's note explaining this to readers. I have searched and searched for it and can't find it so I can only imagine that he died before it was published. But if you are interested in the life and times of the Kotzker, definitely buy this book - it will move you immensely.

Excellent!

As much autobiographical as it is a biographical search for the dual roots of Hasidism, the reader is taken with the Baal Shem Tov to the forest to read poetry to bears and birds in one breath and then to the brooding existentialism of Rebbe Mendl where nothing matters more than speaking the truth, no matter what. Heschel's A Passion for Truth is a work of art.

This book examines the accounts of of two men one a Jewish Rabbi and one a Christian theologian message which calls attention to apathy and a lack contrition in not seeking Truth and an intimate relationship with God allows the reader to examine the intricacies of faith and the societal downfall of mankind to present day.

I liked the comparisons of Kierkegard and the Kotzk. Heschel speaks so much of love that one is compelled to understand faith from a new perspective.

This book reads as one who loves Heschel would want it to read. Every topic is critical to the construction of a spiritual consciousness.

Can't find a better formulation of the ideas of the Kotzker. Great legacy.

Heschel was a Jewish Philosopher - which much of interest to say for the modern Christian. An excellent read.