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Leibowitz, Yeshayahu (1903-1994)
Scientist,
Philosopher, and Man of Letters
Born in Riga, Yeshayahu Leibowitz (brother of Nechama)
was educated in Germany and Switzerland and immigrated to Eretz Yisrael
in 1935. He joined the faculty of Hebrew University and taught chemistry,
physiology, and history and philosophy of science. He authored many books
and articles, lectured publicly, and was an editor of several volumes
of the Encyclopedia Hebraica. Outspoken in his views on Judaism and Israel,
he aroused a great deal of debate and antagonism among religious and non-religious
circles. The decision in 1992 to award him the Israel Prize sparked much
controversy, and Leibowitz declined to receive it. He died in Jerusalem
in 1994.
Leibowitz's notion of Judaism focused entirely on the importance of
Halacha. He held that the obligation to observe the commandments was an
end in itself, and that religion therefore was not a means to a greater
personal or social good. Because of his belief in the overriding value
of the Law, Leibowitz advocated fresh Halachic deliberations that deal
with situations and challenges of the modern world. He stressed nationalism's
religious importance, but following the establishment of the State of
Israel and its independence of Halachic norms, Leibowitz argued fiercely
for the separation of religion from the state. He insisted that the state
was not an ideal with an intrinsic significance, but was there to serve
its citizens.
Leibowitz was also uncompromising in his political views. Although he
had been active in various political groups, he disapproved of the system
of party rule and the numerous political parties, including the religious
parties. He labored publicly against government corruption and the proliferation
of nuclear weapons. Following the Six Day War, he objected staunchly to
retaining any Arab territory, arguing that occupation morally destroys
the conqueror. He supported military conscientious objection to serving
in the territories and in Lebanon, and it was largely his vociferous left-wing
views that made him such a controversial figure.
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