Rabbi Irving Greenberg Discusses "Third Era" of Judaism Post-Holocaust
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Rabbi Irving Greenberg's new writings explore Judaism's "Third Era" post-Holocaust, emphasizing human responsibility and active participation in world repair. He discusses Israel's post-October 7th challenges, warns against the dangers of unchecked Jewish power, and reflects on American Jewry and Jewish-Christian relations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Judaism entered a "Third Era" post-Holocaust, with Jews bearing active responsibility for world repair.
- Greenberg remains optimistic about Israel's future despite concerns over political extremism.
- He warns against the dangers of "Jewish power" and religious-nationalist extremism.
- The Holocaust is the essential starting point for contemporary Jewish thought.
- He discusses the challenges facing American Jewry and the evolution of Jewish-Christian relations.
Rabbi Irving (Yitz) Greenberg, a 93-year-old thinker and activist, has released a new two-volume collection of his writings titled "Life Against Death," which compiles his most significant works from the past six decades on America, Israel, the Holocaust, and Jewish-Christian relations. The collection includes new introductions to each essay, reflecting on which insights have stood the test of time and how his worldview has evolved. It also features two previously unpublished texts: a 1970 lecture on the religious significance of Israel and a new essay, "Israel and World Jewry After October 7th," written in 2025.
Greenberg's core philosophy posits that since the Holocaust, Judaism has entered a "Third Era" of partnership with God, where Jews bear active responsibility for advancing life, human dignity, and world repair. He believes the Holocaust is the essential starting point for all contemporary Jewish thought. Despite deep concerns about the misuse of power by politicians like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Greenberg remains optimistic about Israel's future post-October 7th.
He describes the "Third Era" as one where God's presence is hidden, and humanity has near-absolute responsibility. Modern Israel, he argues, is the ultimate test case for this new era, embodying the Jewish people's active choice for life after the Holocaust's demonstration of the fatal consequences of powerlessness. He sees the post-October 7th volunteerism and grassroots initiatives as evidence of Israelis' immense faith and capability, forming the core of Israel's future mission.
Greenberg warns against the "intoxication of Jewish power," particularly among extremist factions who believe their actions are divinely sanctioned. He cautions that while the Holocaust necessitated military strength, unchecked power carries corrupting spiritual and political dangers. He criticizes religious-nationalist extremism, stating that while God granted the land, the obligation is to inherit it sustainably and with respect for human dignity, not through blind faith in divine approval for every settlement action.
He also addresses the challenges facing American Jewry, acknowledging his earlier optimism about their ability to resist assimilation was perhaps too high. He expresses concern over the rise of new antisemitism and the potential erosion of AIPAC's influence due to the ongoing demonization of Israel. Greenberg also notes the significant progress in Jewish-Christian relations since the Holocaust, advocating for continued partnership in promoting biblical ethics and a vision of world redemption, while acknowledging the need for Jews and Christians to act as strategic allies in the struggle for the sanctity of life.