Love and Terror in the God Encounter: The Theological Legacy of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik

by David Hartman

Overview

The intellectual legacy of one of the twentieth century's greatest religious thinkers—explained by a leading theologian of our day.

"It is only through experiencing the contradictions in human existence, through being overwhelmed by the divine presence, through the finite human being feeling terror-stricken by the infinite majesty of God that one can develop an authentic religious personality."
—David Hartman (From Chapter 6)

Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik (1903–1993) profoundly influenced modern Orthodox Judaism in the United States—and Judaism as a whole—by opening up a discourse between the tradition of Torah study and Western philosophical thought. The future of both religious Zionism in Israel and of Orthodoxy in America hangs to a great extent on how we interpret his intellectual legacy. Dr. David Hartman’s penetrating analysis of Rabbi Soloveitchik’s work reveals a Judaism committed to intellectual courage, integrity and openness.

A renowned theologian and philosopher, Hartman meticulously explores the subtlety and complexity of Rabbi Soloveitchik’s theological thought, exposing a surprising intersection of halakhic tradition and modern Western theology—a confrontation that deepens and expands our spiritual understanding. Hartman’s provocative interpretation bears witness to the legitimacy of remaining loyal to the Judaic tradition without sacrificing one’s intellectual freedom and honesty.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781580231763
Publisher:	Turner Publishing Company
Publication date:	05/01/2004
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	2.36(w) x 3.54(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

A world-renowned philosopher and social activist, Dr. David Hartman (z"l) was the founder and president emeritus of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. Named after his late father, the Institute is dedicated to developing a new understanding of classical Judaism that provides moral and spiritual direction for Judaism's confrontation with modernity.

Formerly professor emeritus at Hebrew Universityin Jerusalem, he received his rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University's theological seminary in New York City. He is the author of many award-winning books, including From Defender to Critic: The Search for a New Jewish Self; The God Who Hates Lies: Confronting and Rethinking Jewish Tradition; A Heart of Many Rooms: Celebrating the Many Voices within Judaism, finalist for the National Jewish Book Award and a Publishers Weekly "Best Book of the Year"; and Love and Terror in the God Encounter: The Theological Legacy of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik (all Jewish Lights). His classic works A Living Covenant: The Innovative Spirit in Traditional Judaism (Jewish Lights) and Maimonides: Torah and Philosophic Quest both were winners of the National Jewish Book Award.

Table of Contents

Preface

1. Introduction
2. The Halakhic Hero
3. The Religious Passion of Halakhic Man
4. The Lonely Man of Faith
5. Confrontation
6. Prayer

Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

"A unique combination of love and criticism, depth and respect. This book is an invitation to experience Hartman's ongoing philosophical dialogue with his great teacher, and is an important contribution to understanding the thought of both these major figures."
—Prof. Avi Sagi, director, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Hereneutics and Cultural Studies, Bar Ilan University

"Compellingly demonstrates how R. Soloveitchik joined intellectual brilliance in Jewish learning with a deep empathy for modern existentialist philosophy. Undoubtedly, this work will become the standard for future scholarship on the majestic thought of R. Soloveitchick."
—Prof. Yehuda (Jerome) Gellman, Department of Philosophy, Ben-Gurion Universityof Negev

From the Publisher