A course directed by Avi Bernstein-Nahar, Brandeis University and 36 LEARNING MATTERS
As an American Jewish leader and social activist, Abraham Joshua Heschel has a truly monumental standing. His books are widely read, with some, like The Sabbath, and God in Search of Man, having attained almost “classic status” as modern religious literature not to be missed by any spiritual seeker or religiously literate Jew. Yet the relationship between Rabbi Heschel and American Jews has hardly been a mutual love affair. There’s no denying that Heschel was deeply critical of American Jewish life – his 1953 speech at the Rabbinical Assembly of America was just the most well-known and public example of his searing critique of a Jewry falling tragically out of step with its heritage.
Given how attached American Jews today are to Heschel’s memory, and the deep and abiding influence of his legacy, is it not incumbent on us to learn more about his vision?
Arguably, however, until recently, the door to an encounter with the fullness of Heschel’s aspirations for modern Jewry has been barred. Join pioneering Israeli scholar Dror Bondi, who has produced a critical edition of Heschel’s most erudite and visionary text, Torah Min Ha’Shamayim, Torah from Heaven, a book with a fascinating and troubled pre-publication history. Though written by Heschel with the intention of aiding Jewry in reclaiming the spirit of rabbinic Judaism as their rightful and needful patrimony, Torah from Heaven never really successfully arrived on the American Jewish Book shelf – fully translated and entirely unabridged – until now.
Our course, then, is something of an event in the unfolding tradition and reception of Rabbi Heschel’s thought. In committing to engage in close reading of the text and its sources, you will be joining more than a class in the rabbinic tradition; you will be choosing to participate in the 21st century reception of some of Rabbi Heschel’s richest, most provocative — but least known — teachings, and adding your distinctive voice to the Torah that emerges from this latest encounter with Abraham Joshua Heschel’s life and work.
Noteworthy features of this opportunity:
- an optional Beit Midrash/House of Interpretation from 7:00PM to 7:50PM followed by the main event, a Shiur/Lecture at 858 Walnut Street, Newton Centre, home of the Walnut Street Minyan. Participate in some or all of the Beit Midrash/House of Interpretation program, or simply come for the Shiur/Lecture. Please arrive by 7:50PM
- our Beit Midrash program will be staffed by Harvey Bock, J.D., Hebrew Language Coordinator, Hebrew College Rabbinical School
- A Siyyum/Concluding Celebration, tickets purchased separately. Our siyyum will take place at the Walnut Street Minyan, 858 Walnut Street, Parashat Toldot, November 22, 2025, 6PM to 9PM. Dietary laws observed.
- Everyone is welcome but note: this program will be especially valuable for people with intermediate to advanced Hebrew reading capability. English translations of all texts will be provided whenever possible.
Questions or comments welcome. Please write info@36learningmatters.com This program will not be available for remote participation (e.g. by Zoom). Available for in-person participation only.