'אלילים מודחים ומקדשים נטושים': בחינה מחודשת לזיקה שבין הלל צייטלין ללב שסטוב

In Hebrew culture, Russian-Jewish philosopher Lev Shestov (1866-1938) is associated most closely with Hillel Zeitlin (1871-1942). There is ample reason to connect the two, but unfortunately there has also been a tendency to conflate their thought. Thus Zeitlin’s “religious” thought is identified with Shestov’s “religious” thought; Zeitlin’s “god-seeking” is identified with Shestov’s; and Zeitlin’s call for religious renewal is perceived as devolving from Shestov’s influence. In this paper, I reexamine the conceptual ties between Zeitlin and Shestov and consider what Zeitlin actually acquired from Shestov. This examination is made in light of Zeitlin’s as-yet-unpublished letters to Shestov, and is conducted by analyzing and contrasting Zeitlin’s and Shestov’s writing, to trace the similarities and differences in their views regarding Nietzsche, faith and “mysticism.” This clarification of the affinities between the two authors will sharpen our understanding of Zeitlin’s spiritual world and of his thought.