No Religion Is an Island: Following the Trail Blazer

Through a rereading of Heschel’s essay “No Religion Is an Island,” I will highlight his conceptual and methodological contribution, as well as address the issue of Heschel’s legacy and how it continues to challenge us. As one who follows in Heschel’s footsteps I shall move between a description of Heschel and his theoretical contribution and the realities, challenges, and work that lies ahead of us, now and in the future.

This may be compared to a thicket of reeds which no man could enter, for whoever entered therein lost his way. What did a certain clever man do? He cut down [some reeds] and entered, then cut down more and penetrated further; thus he entered through the clearing and went out; then all began to enter through his clearing.