סוד ההומניזם העברי מבית מניטו

The Secret Meaning of Hebrew Humanism according to the Thought of Manitou “Manitou” – Rabbi Yehudah Leon Ashkenazi – was one of the greatest intellectuals in post-war French Jewish Thought. The thinking of Manitou is centred upon the renewal, development and ultimately rejuvenation of Jewish-Israeli culture and thought - which he coins as “Hebraism”. Contemporary research is currently concerned with the philosophical and spiritual influences of his thought at different levels. However, this article seeks to re-locate Manitou on the landscape of early Twentieth century Jewish Philosophy and trace its conceptual influences in Israeli-Zionist thinking. This article offers a re-consideration of the thought of Manitou, as a “response” – be it implicit or explicit - to the philosophy of Martin Buber, known as “Hebrew Humanism”. The meaning of Hebrew Humanism refers to the development of a new conception of humanity which rests upon biblical and textual writing and thinking as foundational in the realm of Jewish thought. Therefore, this study also allows for an understanding of the biblical, textual and interpretative aspects of Manitou’s thought. Further, this unique and compelling perspective highlights the moral and religious significance of Humanism according to Manitou