One of the most influential religious leaders of the 20th century, Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907–1972) called to–and was heeded by–both Jews and Christians. A Hasidic theologian who marched with 60s civil rights activists, Heschel inextricably linked spirituality and social change.

To celebrate the centennial of Heschel’s birth, Hebrew College, Boston College, Andover Newton Theological School and the Boston Theological Institute are co-sponsoring “Spiritual Audacity and Social Justice, Abraham Joshua Heschel: A Centennial Celebration.” This all-day event on Sunday, December 10, brings together some of today’s foremost thinkers to explore the man and his urgent message.

Featured speakers include Dr. David Starr, Dean of Me’ah at HC; Dr. Arthur Green, Rector of the HC Rabbinical School and leading authority on Jewish spirituality and Jewish thought, and former student of Heschel; Dr. Susannah Heschel, Heschel’s daughter and noted scholar and activist; and Dr. Cornel West, popular and controversial African-American intellectual.

"The goal of this conference is to share Heschel’s unique contributions to Jewish and American life through his blend of personal piety, academic scholarship, theological creativity and involvement in world issues of social concern," says Rabbi Or Rose of Hebrew College, conference organizer. "By presenting elements of Heschel’s life and thought, we hope to move people to ask what aspects of this rich legacy might be helpful to us today."

"Spiritual Audacity and Social Justice" will take place on the Hebrew College and Boston College campuses. To register, please visit hebrewcollege.edu/cajlevents.

A course on Heschel and Martin Luther King Jr., entitled "Spiritual and Social Justice," is being offered at HC in the spring 2007 semester. Please visit hebrewcollege.edu/spring for details.




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