Michael Wyschogrod

Michael Wyschogrod (September 28, 1928 – December 17, 2015) was a German-American philosopher of religion, Jewish theologian, and activist for Jewish–Christian interfaith dialogue. He taught in philosophy and religion departments of several universities in the United States, Europe, and Israel. Born in Berlin, Germany, his family fled Nazi Germany and arrived in the United States in 1939. He was associated with Modern Orthodox Judaism and pursued a rigorous education in both secular and Jewish studies. Wyschogrod earned his PhD in philosophy from Columbia University. His academic career included teaching at CUNY colleges, serving as head of the Philosophy Department at Baruch College, and becoming Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Houston. He also held guest professorships internationally. Wyschogrod's most recognized work, 'The Body of Faith,' discusses God's preferential love for the Jewish people, asserting its corporeal nature and God's indwelling presence among them, without excluding love for all humankind. He was also active in Jewish-Christian theological dialogue, advocating for a non-supersessionist Christian perspective in his book 'Abraham's Promise: Judaism and Jewish-Christian Relations.' He encouraged Jews to avoid a priori dismissals of Christ's divinity, suggesting merit in the Christological position of God's indwelling in one Jew. His emphasis on God's choice to enter human history through Israel shows an affinity with Karl Barth's thought. Wyschogrod was married to philosopher Edith Wyschogrod, and they had two children. He is remembered as a significant Jewish theologian and philosopher.