Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy.

— Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907–1972), Jüdischer Theologe

Source: „No Religion is an Island“, in: Moral Grandeur and Spiritual Audacity (1997), S. 264

Topics: Joy & Gratitude, Meaning & Identity, Growth & Character

Occasions: Birthday & Anniversary, Gratitude

Abraham Joshua Heschel

Abraham Joshua Heschel war ein aus Polen stammender jüdischer Religionsphilosoph, Theologe und Rabbiner, der nach seiner Flucht vor der nationalsozialistischen Verfolgung ab 1945 am Jewish Theological Seminary in New York lehrte. Er verband traditionelle jüdische Mystik mit moderner Philosophie und engagierte sich öffentlichkeitswirksam in der US-Bürgerrechtsbewegung sowie im interreligiösen Dialog, was ihm in Teilen des orthodoxen Judentums und bei konservativen Zeitgenossen Kritik einbrachte. Für Bibelleser erschließt sein Werk die leidenschaftliche Anteilnahme Gottes am Menschen („göttliches Pathos“) und verbindet biblische Spiritualität untrennbar mit gesellschaftlicher Verantwortung für Gerechtigkeit.

All quotes by Abraham Joshua Heschel (27)

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Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that.

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Go forth, my heart, and seek joy in this lovely summertime, in the gifts of your God. Behold the beauty of the gardens' adornment, and see how they have decked themselves for me and for you.

Paul Gerhardt

Great are you, Lord, and highly to be praised. Man, this tiny part of your creation, wants to praise you. You yourself stir him to delight in praising you, for you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.

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For all that has been - Thanks. For all that will be - Yes.

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The world is more than its burden, and life is more than the sum of its gray days.

Alfred Delp

A good sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace. Loving somebody is grace.

Frederick Buechner

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