Arthur Hertzberg Quotes

Powerful Arthur Hertzberg for Daily Growth

About Arthur Hertzberg

Arthur Hertzberg (1921-2006) was an eminent American Jewish historian, intellectual, and political activist, whose extensive work has significantly contributed to the understanding of modern Jewish history and Zionism. Born in New York City on February 7, 1921, Hertzberg grew up in a traditional Jewish family deeply rooted in progressive politics and social justice. He was influenced by his father, Max Hertzberg, an activist who worked closely with prominent figures like Emma Goldman and Big Bill Haywood. Hertzberg earned his Bachelor's degree from City College of New York in 1942 and later completed a Ph.D. at Columbia University in 1950. His academic career included teaching positions at Brandeis University, Yeshiva University, and Columbia University, where he became the Samuel Klausner Professor of American Jewish History in 1987. Hertzberg's major works delve into various aspects of Jewish history and Zionism. His first book, "The French Enlightenment and Jewish Emancipation" (1968), explores the complex relationship between the two during the Age of Enlightenment. His seminal work, "The Zionist Idea: A Historical Analysis and Reader," published in 1959 and revised in 1975 and 1997, offers an extensive examination of the evolution of the Zionist movement. Throughout his life, Hertzberg remained actively involved in political activism. He was a founding member of the New York City chapter of Americans for Democratic Action and served as its president from 1954 to 1956. His political beliefs were shaped by his commitment to social justice, civil rights, and peace. Arthur Hertzberg passed away on March 20, 2006, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence the study of Jewish history and Zionism.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The struggle for freedom and human dignity is a continuous one."

This quote underscores the persistent nature of humanity's quest for liberty and respect. It suggests that freedom and human dignity are not static states to be achieved once and for all, but rather ongoing ideals that require constant effort and struggle throughout history. The continuous struggle signifies the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression, inequality, and injustice. The pursuit of these fundamental values is a testament to our capacity for growth, adaptation, and progress as a species.

"Jewish history is not merely a history of suffering but also a history of heroism, survival, creativity, and adaptation."

This quote underscores the multifaceted nature of Jewish history, emphasizing that it's not just about hardship and persecution, but also about resilience, courage, innovation, and adaptability. It encourages a balanced perspective on Jewish history, recognizing its challenges while celebrating the remarkable achievements, spirit, and enduring presence of the Jewish people throughout time.

"It is essential to learn from the past but dangerous to live in it."

This quote emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences to gain wisdom and avoid repeating mistakes, yet warns against getting stuck or fixated in the past. It encourages a balance between reflecting on lessons learned and moving forward with new insights and perspectives.

"Democracy is not a spectator sport."

The quote emphasizes that democracy isn't just an event to be watched passively, but rather a participatory system where every citizen plays a crucial role. It suggests that active involvement in civic affairs, such as voting, expressing opinions, and participating in community activities, is essential for a healthy democracy. In other words, it encourages citizens to take part in shaping their society and government, not merely observe from the sidelines.

"The essence of liberalism is the belief that society should be organized to protect and enhance the freedom and dignity of individuals."

This quote by Arthur Hertzberg encapsulates the fundamental principles of Liberalism, a political philosophy emphasizing individual rights, freedoms, and dignity. It suggests that a well-structured society should prioritize protecting and fostering these aspects for each individual. In essence, it's about creating an environment where individuals can thrive and grow without undue restrictions, thereby upholding their inherent worth and potential.

What are you going to do to preserve a tradition that is the peculiar and unique culture that Judaism inculcates? The American Jewish community is not going to survive by lining up against its common enemy.

- Arthur Hertzberg

Survive, Going, Common Enemy

Look, the hard-line Jewish position is based, to this day, on the idea that the Palestinian Arabs somehow or other will either accept third-class status, or they will pick up and go away. Now, this isn't happening.

- Arthur Hertzberg

Other, Away, Based, Hard-Line

How can a rabbi not live with doubt? The Bible itself is a book of doubt.

- Arthur Hertzberg

Bible, How, Itself, Rabbi

But, I know enough people in that court, through the years, to know one thing: There's always somebody who surprises you, who rises above what they thought they appointed him for, and stays with the separation of powers, and with the right of the law to decide.

- Arthur Hertzberg

Thought, Through, Decide, Surprises

Jewish fundamentalism is teaching that Jews can fight with guns and with civil war, against being relocated off the West Bank, and disobey the orders of their government. That is the call to jihad, to several kinds of jihad.

- Arthur Hertzberg

Guns, Civil War, West Bank, Disobey

The Roosevelt enactment of Social Security was a moral revolution in our country: We were assured that we would never reach the very depths of poverty. And to be told, that we are now going to gamble it, on Wall Street, is nonsense!

- Arthur Hertzberg

Reach, Country, Very, Depths

I regard Christian and Jewish fundamentalism, and all other forms of fundamentalism, as the enemies of God - and I hope you'll quote me on that.

- Arthur Hertzberg

Jewish, Enemies, Other, Forms

Most American Jews came from the lower middle classes, and therefore they brought with them not a lot of Jewish culture. The American Jewish story starts with Ellis Island, and the candy store in the Bronx.

- Arthur Hertzberg

Middle, Candy, Brought, Ellis

I don't know where Bush is going - yet. But, Sharon obviously - I wrote somewhere in the last several months, that Sharon has adopted, essentially, the position of the Labor Party: that the Palestinians are here to stay.

- Arthur Hertzberg

Here, Sharon, Months, Adopted

I think anti-Semitism is the meal ticket of the organizations that fight it.

- Arthur Hertzberg

Think, Meal, I Think, Organizations

I write to tell my grandchildren where they come from, and what their grandparents were up to, and I hope they will in their own way continue. I invite anyone else to listen in.

- Arthur Hertzberg

Grandchildren, Will, I Write, Invite

I argue that the Talmud is about the constant struggle to understand.

- Arthur Hertzberg

Understand, Constant, About, Talmud

A large part of the problem, is that young people are being born into the world and growing up without much hope. And so, they become murderers, they become suicide bombers.

- Arthur Hertzberg

Young, Part, Large, Growing Up

My purpose is to have American Jews look away from the success story with which they've cheered themselves up, and to have them remember the classical tradition, whatever it is.

- Arthur Hertzberg

Purpose, Away, Which, Tradition

Nobody is in the process of making any changes that we can be specific about.

- Arthur Hertzberg

Changes, Process, Making, Specific

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