spiritual anthology, a

Remarkable ( )

Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907—1972), Jewish theologian and rabbi, gets into the "imago-free" territory of God with this book of prayers and reflections. I love the Jewish faith for its simplicity and ancientness, and this book reminds the reader of the universality of religious experience. Because of his erudition and forthright, simple language, this book can assist the reader in reconnecting with the most basic instincts to connect with a "higher power."

Audience: Jewish persons of faith will especially like this book, but Heschel's perspectives are beautiful, simple, and refreshing. ( )

Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote on many of topics of interest to rabbinic scholars and Christian theologians, including the relationship of God and man, prophecy in the Old Testament, and Jewish life. Rabbi Samuel Dresner has taken short sections from many of Dr. Heschel’s scholarly writings and poetry, arranging them by themes in the fourteen chapters of I asked for wonder. In these chapters, Dr. Heschel expresses basic truths about God, prayer and the Bible, and the place of the Jewish faith in the life. The words are as fresh and profound today as they were when written. I found myself reading a few short sentences, then meditating on the words and meanings.

The editor has included citations to each quote in the back of the book, coded to the source materials. However there was no bibliographic information other than title to accompany the codes. Since I wanted to know the source of the writings and where I could read more, I was constantly flipping to the list of sources. It would have been more efficient and user friendly to have printed this information on the same page as the quoted material. Also the book does not contain a bibliography of works. Even though this is not a scholarly work, this list would have been invaluable.

For a wonderful introduction to the work of this most remarkable and religious man, as well as a spiritual experience, pick up I asked for wonder. Wonder is what you will receive! ( )

I Asked for Wonder: A Spiritual Awakening, by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel is much more than the title implies. After reading Heschel’s book entitled The Sabbath, I wanted to read more of his work. I Asked for Wonder did not disappoint me in any aspect.

I asked for wonder, and received it through Rabbi Heschel’s writings, which are masterful, magnificent and filled with wonder within his wise words. I Asked for Wonder, by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, is an anthology of his works that I highly recommend to everyone, no matter your faith. ( )