I have one talent, and that is the capacity to be tremendously surprised, surprised at life, at ideas.

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

Source: zitiert in: Diane Ackerman, The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story (2008)

Topics: Joy & Gratitude, Wisdom & Understanding, Meaning & Identity

Occasions: For Reflection

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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When you see a child, you catch God in the act.

Martin Luther

I asked God for many things so that I could enjoy life. God gave me life, so that I could enjoy all things.

Gertrud von le Fort

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

Fyodor Dostoevsky

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.

Augustine of Hippo

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

Dag Hammarskjöld

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

All quotes · lumen.bible