The Lonely Man of Faith [Paperback]

Joseph B. Soloveitchik (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 16, 2006

Joseph B. Soloveitchik, the rabbi known as “The Rav” by his followers worldwide, was a leading authority on the meaning of Jewish law and prominent force in building bridges between traditional Orthodox Judaism and the modern world. In The Lonely Man of Faith, a soaring, eloquent essay first published in Tradition magazine in 1965, Soloveitchik investigates the essential loneliness of the person of faith in our narcissistic, materially oriented, utilitarian society.

In this modern classic, Soloveitchik uses the story of Adam and Eve as a springboard, interweaving insights from such important Western philosophers as Kierkegaard and Kant with innovative readings of Genesis to provide guidance for the faithful in today’s world. He explains prayer as “the harbinger of moral reformation,” and discusses with empathy and understanding the despair and exasperation of individuals who seek personal redemption through direct knowledge of a God who seems remote and unapproachable. He shows that while the faithful may become members of a religious community, their true home is “the abode of loneliness.” In a moving personal testimony, Soloveitchik demonstrates a deep-seated commitment, intellectual courage, and integrity to which people of all religions will respond.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Fusing the existential acuity of Kierkegaard with the wisdom of the Old Testament, Boston Orthodox rabbi Soloveitchik has produced a timeless spiritual guide for men and women of all religions. In this soaring, eloquent essay, first published in Tradition magazine in 1965, "The Rav," as he is known to his followers worldwide, investigates the essential aloneness of the person of faith, whom he deems a misfit in our narcissistic, technologically oriented, utilitarian society. Using the story of Adam and Eve as a springboard, Soloveitchik explains prayer as "the harbinger of moral reformation" and probes the despair and exasperation of individuals who seek to redeem existence through direct knowledge of a God who seems remote and unapproachable. Although the faithful may become members of a "convenantal community," their true home, he writes, is "the abode of loneliness" as they shuttle between the transcendent and the mundane. Sudden shafts of illumination confront the reader at every turn in this inspirational personal testament.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Boston-based Orthodox Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, perhaps the greatest living authority on Halakhah (Jewish law), offers some profound spiritual insights for persons of all creeds. Combining Kierkegaardian and Kantian philosophical insights with a unique exegesis of the Genesis creation stories, Soloveitchik provides guidance as to how the existential person of faith, essentially alone in a society beset by narcissism, self-seeking ends, and an empty modern technology, can find personal redemption in the living God of Biblical faith. This essay, originally published in the Orthodox Jewish journal Tradition in 1965, is an excellent introduction to the thought of this great thinker. Recommended for large religion collections.
- Robert A. Silver, Shaker Heights P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Image (May 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385514085
• ISBN-13: 978-0385514088
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.4 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,119 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Theology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Difficult but rewarding view of man and God., October 17, 1997

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[e-mail] "[e-mail]" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Lonely Man of Faith (Hardcover)

Soloveitchik published only a few titles during his long life as the leading Orthodox rabbi of this century. This is the one new readers should start with. It is rather difficult, and for some a dictionary may be needed, but its rewards far surpass its difficulties. Soloveitchik's thesis is that there are two stories of creation in the Bible, not because there are two literary traditions, but because there are two sides to man. Majestic Adam sees God in the splendor of the universe, and shows reverence through science. Lonely Adam craves a personal relationship with God, which is glimpsed in fleeting moments. Soloveitchik has no use for cheap "spirituality." His is the real kind, which takes deep thought and a lot of work. His is also the kind which, once attained, lasts a lifetime.

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Spiritual Journey, October 26, 2000

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"rachamim" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Lonely Man of Faith (Hardcover)

The subject of a class titled "A Spiritual Journey" taught by our Rabbi, this small book has engendered the deapest spiritual discussions-yet on an intellectual level-which one can imagine. However, be prepared! If you expect to get the most out of this book, you will need a very comprehensive dictionary.

While any serious reader will probably find Soloveitchik's insights helpful, it has to be said that if you don't have a solid, working knowledge of the Hebrew language and its development, together with a thorough knowledge of the Jewish religious traditions, you will miss much. Therefore, study with a Rabbi, as well as with others, is highly recommended to extract the full benefits from this book.

But is it worth it? Absolutely! You will want to read this book over and over again, something which will be easy to do because every sentence of this small volume packs hours of thought provoking insight into its discussion of the two stories of The Creation.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Rav's picture of himself, October 12, 2004

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Shalom Freedman "Shalom Freedman" (Jerusalem,Israel) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Lonely Man of Faith, The (Hardcover)

One cannot help feeling that in presenting the picture of the lonely man of faith, the Rav is presenting a picture of himself. The contrast is by now famous between the two Adams, the Adam of conquering the earth, the technological modern man, and the second Adam, the Adam of inwardness, the lonely man of faith. The enormous dedication and effort that the Rav shown in his teaching and communal work have their parallel in the tremendous dedication and effort he gave to his own thinking, and inner life.

This work is not only an important Jewish work of thought but can be of instruction to anyone who wishes to have a glimpse of what authentic religious experience is.