I Asked For Wonder: A Spiritual Anthology [Paperback]

Abraham Joshua Heschel (Author), Samuel H. Dresner (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1983

Considered by many to be one of the most significant Jewish theologians of the 20th century, Abraham Heschel finds just the right words to startle the mind and delight the heart. He addresses and challenges the whole person, portraying that rarest of human phenomena—the holy man.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company (September 1, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824505425
• ISBN-13: 978-0824505424
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.5 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,235 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Prayerbooks
  • #5 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Theology

More About the Author

Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-72), one of the foremost Jewish savants of our time, was internationally known as scholar, author, activist, and theologian.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A wise man indeed May 16, 2000

By M. J. Smith VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

There are few authors that one is even tempted to call "wise" - with Heschel one wishes to say "very wise". This anthology of short excerpts should be read in a meditational manner - he gives one much to think about - to not think about it is to miss the point of the book.

An example: "Life passes on in proximity to the sacred, and it is this proximity that endows existence with ultimate significance. In our relation to the immediate we touch upon the most distant. Even the satisfaction of physical needs can be a sacred act. Perhaps the essential message of Judaism is that in doing the finite we may perceive the infinite."

This perception of the infinite in the finite is what is called "sacramental imagination" in the Christian tradition ... which is to say while Heschel is fully within the Judaic tradition, one need not be of his tradition to learn from him.

Add this to your must read list.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An anthology of wisdom August 29, 1998

By David Graham

Format:Paperback

This book is a "best of" selection from the writings of Abraham Joshua Heschel, put together posthumously by Samuel Dresner. The title comes from the preface in Heschel's book of Yiddish poems, where he comments, "I did not ask for success; I asked for wonder. And You gave it to me."

This 123 page anthology has numerous selections ranging from one sentence to five pages in length. (Most selections are a few paragraphs in length.) There is ample material for reflection, and Heschel's wise insights and commentary provide spiritual nourishment and admonition. I enjoyed working my way through this compendium, underlining passages and writing commentary in the margins, using it as a devotional work.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars . . . a deeper dimensionality . . . November 2, 2000

By Jonathan Stone

Format:Paperback

This book will satisfy the soul of any lover of wisdom. It's important to recognize that it's not just for followers of Judaism. Heschel is everyone's wise man. The best way to describe I Asked for Wonder is to think of a quotation book where you want to underline everything. Here is a deeper dimensionality of understanding where having a sense of wonder for God and the universe He created is the beginning of wisdom. Heschel himself is a wonder.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars companion during devastations July 26, 2006

By L. Helw

Format:Paperback

for several decades, I have taken this book with me to disaster sites where I work relief. I have given away many copies, bought many more, given away so many. Heschel speaks to the bones of it all, short passages that can be read at those short moments of rest in the midst of so much travail, his strength of spirit... how can I say it, jumps from the page into those who need to keep going, often without sleep, who just need to keep on. The words within, to me, are nourishing after nourishing tastes of G-d.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars poetry of Judiasm February 13, 2007

By Barbara Levinson

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a composite of the most poetic, sparkling bits of Heschel. It is to be savored, bite by delicious bite. Heschel is so rich I can only read him in small mouthfuls, one at a time. He is a major poet of Judiasm and a sage as well.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book to Keep May 30, 2010

By B. Hibner

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

A beautiful collection of some of the wise quotes from Rabbi Heschel. It is one you will want to return to again and again.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I Asked For Wonder: A Spiritual Anthology April 17, 2009

By KEN TELLS ALL VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

What more can one really say in words to describe the insights of this spiritual genius. This is a journey through the mind in order to uncover the hidden workings of the world around us. This is a study which needs to be read in order to enlighten humans to their true potential. Just a wonderful work !

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!!! May 6, 2013

By Faithe

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I asked for a genuine spiritual teacher and was shown Abraham Joshua Heschel. This selection is beautiful! Sincere, unpretentious, humble, inspiring...there aren't enough adjectives. I felt honored to read the words. It's like glimpsing a man's soul. A work to be savored.