From Booklist
*Starred Review* Heschel (1907-72), a distinguished religious philosopher, is best known for his theological writings. Heavenly Torah was written originally in Hebrew, and this is the first English translation, compiled and readied for publication by Rabbi David Feldman after Heschel's death. Heschel describes the views of the schools of Rabbi Ishmael and Rabbi Akiva on a multitude of subjects involving rabbinic Judaism and then leaves the choice to readers. The subjects include the nature of the Torah, miracles, the sacrificial system in the temple, human suffering, the commands to love God, Torah versus livelihood, and the issue of theological language. Other topics include the idea that Moses ascended to heaven, Moses' prophecy, God's descent to Earth, and the book of Deuteronomy. The final five chapters deal with the attitude toward Halakhah, its authority, and its susceptibility to modification and development. This is an ambitious work of tremendous significance, an indispensable guide to understanding the Torah and--consequently--the Jewish religion. Not simply for large religious collections but for any with active borrowers. George Cohen
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