Irving Yitzchak Greenberg (born May 16,1933),also known as Yitz Greenberg,is an American scholar,author,and rabbi.[1] Greenberg is known as a strong supporter of Israel,[2] as well as a promoter of greater understanding between Judaism and Christianity.[3]
In 2020,Greenberg joined the faculty of the non-denominational,liberal-leaning Yeshivat Hadar as the senior scholar in residence.[8]
Ideology
Greenberg's thought involves reading current Jewish history through traditional Jewish categories of thought. He has written extensively about the Holocaust and the historical and religious significance of the State of Israel.
Greenberg espouses the concept of "Tikkun Olam" (repairing the world) as humanity working—as co-creators—with God to improve the world. He sees the Jewish people's covenant with God as enjoining them to set an example for the moral edification of humanity. Greenberg also suggests that the inherent image of God in every human indicates that each person possesses "infinite value,equality,and uniqueness."[9] According to Greenberg,this means that there is no absolute truth or 'correct' religion:"Part of every truth is the fact that an image of God is speaking it;that is to say,a being of infinite value,equality,and uniqueness is speaking it."[10]
Only part of his post-Holocaust theology has been published.[11] Greenberg argues that God has broken his covenant with the Jewish people,viewing the Holocaust as a pivotal event that represents this "breaking of the covenant." The breaking event is seen as part of God's ongoing process of tzimtzum (withdrawal) from the world. According to Greenberg,the Holocaust illustrates that the fate of the world lies in humanity's hands. If such profound evil can exist in the world,as demonstrated by the Holocaust,then it is also possible for immense good to be realized.
Greenberg's theological views have been criticized by historian David Berger.[12]
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