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at The 92nd Street Y, New York. Supported by The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity
Nov 16, 2000
Professor Wiesel approaches solitude from three viewpoints: the solitude of God, man and Israel. Whereas in classical mythology, the gods sought company, Judaism established God’s uniqueness as the essential feature of monotheism. Asking what God does in His eternal solitude, Professor Wiesel explains that every day, God is involved in Ma’aseh Bereishit, renewing His creation. Man, by contrast, must not be alone. Professor Wiesel elaborates upon one of his favorite themes, that of friendship, and especially of Hasidism’s celebration of friendship, as a cure for solitude. In writing stories about Hasidim, Professor Wiesel has tried to turn solitude into an act against solitude. As for Israel, Professor Wiesel speaks with encouragement about Jewish-Christian relations but with great sadness about Israel-Palestinian relations. Professor Wiesel teaches us that Israel’s solitude is bearable only if Jews work together as a community.
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