Akiba - Mishkan is renewal of creation, full of secrets of creation.
For early hasidim, all mitzvot/acts have cosmic significance.
The way we act is meaningful to God, it makes a difference, even in a cosmic sense.
(This is contrary to Mainmonedes who says God is perfect, has no needs)
This idea goes back to Ramban, Nachmanedes. Mitzvot bring the Shechinah out of exile.
For Heschel the most significant mitzvot are
Feeding the poor, ending war, marching with MLK.
These are spiritual acts, not just political.
These are the acts for which we were created.
he went back to the prophets as his authentic “rebbes.”
In time he learned to speak in Biblical language which was accessible to both Jews and Chrisitians.
