Home

Abraham Joshua Heschel, “The Reasons for My Involvement in the Peace Movement” from Abraham Joshua Heschel, Moral Grandeur and Spiritual Audacity (New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1996).

 

Original Text:

The more deeply immersed I became in the thinking of the prophets, the more powerfully it became clear to me what the lives of the prophets sought to convey: that morally speaking there is no limit to the concern one must feel for the suffering of human beings. It also became clear to me that in regard to cruelties committed in the name of a free society, some are guilty, all are responsible.

Translation:

Suggested Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways do we limit our own concerns with the suffering of human beings? How can we fight that inclination to avoid witnessing suffering?
2. What constitutes a cruelty? What is a cruelty committed in the name of a free society?
3. Why are all responsible for the crimes of some?
4. How can we apply Heschel's principles to our lives today?

Time Period:
Type:
Categories:
Keywords:
Related Texts:
Abraham Joshua Heschel, “The Reasons for My Involvement in the Peace Movement” from Abraham Joshua Heschel, Moral Grandeur and Spiritual Audacity (New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1996).
Related Sourcesheets:Texts on Social Change v. Social Action, Elohai Netzor & Lashon Hara, prophetic texts

Submitted By

Sarah Margles

Comments on this Text