Monthly Archives: September 2015

Fishbane-hiyyuv

Posted on September 29, 2015 by theoutwardquest

Hiyyuv is a Hebrew word that means obligation. I am surprised by how Michael Fishbane in Sacred Attunement uses this concept.  He says that obligation is given with creation.  He talks about how as humans become aware of their placement … Continue reading →

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Fishbane-places and spaces

Posted on September 28, 2015 by theoutwardquest

In Sacred Attunement Michael Fishbane talks about the Jewish sense of place and space in the world.  He talks about home, synagogue, and homeland. Jewish thinking begins right where one is standing rooted in a place in this world.  The … Continue reading →

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A productive pause

Posted on September 23, 2015 by theoutwardquest

This is one of those weeks where I had planned to write four or five blog essays, but find that I must devote my time to some other things. There are three stages of life.  The first stage is the … Continue reading →

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Fishbane-emunah

Posted on September 21, 2015 by theoutwardquest

In Sacred Attunement, which is a Jewish approach to theology, Michael Fishbane speaks of the response to the Torah in terms of emunah or steadfast faithfulness.  He refers to Isaiah 26:3: You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is … Continue reading →

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Fishbane-radical kindness

Posted on September 18, 2015 by theoutwardquest

There is a Hebrew word, hesed, in the Bible.  English readers are used to seeing it translated as “loving kindness”. In Sacred Attunement, Michael Fishbane uses the word when he talks about “radical kindness” as a Jewish practice that goes … Continue reading →

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Fishbane-prayer and study

Posted on September 17, 2015 by theoutwardquest

Micheal Fishbane in his Sacred Attunement writes about theology as integral to Jewish life and piety. Prayer and study are central to Jewish life and are acts of theology. Prayer begins with the human body and senses receiving the gift … Continue reading →

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Fishbane-halakah

Posted on September 15, 2015 by theoutwardquest

Michael Fishbane in Sacred Attunement carefully holds theology and life together.  He discusses halakah, usually defined as the Talmudic and Rabbinic law that builds upon the Torah.  However, his definition of halakah seems to be that of a type of … Continue reading →

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Fishbane-acknowledge him in all your ways

Posted on September 14, 2015 by theoutwardquest

It is hard for me to decide if Michael Fishbane’s theology in Sacred Attunement is complicated or radically simple.  He couches it in sometimes convoluted language.  He uses phrases like  “all-encompassing ground of the vitality that roils in the depths of … Continue reading →

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Fishbane-Jacob’s ladder in the four modes

Posted on September 10, 2015 by theoutwardquest

Now, having more carefully and slowly read, Michael Fishbane’s discussion in his Sacred Attunement of the four modes of interpretation, I can attempt to explain more concretely. He refers to Genesis 28:10 ff., the Jacob’s ladder story, in regard to … Continue reading →

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Fishbane-The Torah of All

Posted on September 9, 2015 by theoutwardquest

Michael Fishbane in Sacred Attunement reminds me that the Pharisaic or Rabbinic school of Judaism, which in the New Testament stood over against the Sadducees and some other parties, provides the theological foundation for contemporary Judaism. The Pharisees believed in the Oral … Continue reading →

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