Judaism

Do Jews Believe In Angels?

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Query on the Existence of Angels in Judaism

Email from Noah Feldman: “Hello Rabbi Joshua, I have always been fascinated by the concept of angels in religion. I know they are prominent in Christianity and Islam, but I’m not sure about Judaism. Do Jews believe in angels?”

Response from Rabbi Joshua

Shalom Noah, thank you for your interesting question. Angels are indeed a part of Jewish belief and they appear frequently in Jewish scriptures and rabbinic literature.

Angels in Jewish Scripture

In the Hebrew Bible, angels, known in Hebrew as “malachim” (מלאכים), are mentioned numerous times. They are typically seen as messengers or agents of God, performing tasks on His behalf. The Torah contains several stories involving angels, such as the angels visiting Abraham to announce the birth of his son Isaac, and Jacob’s dream of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it.

The Nature of Angels in Judaism

Angels in Jewish thought are generally considered to be incorporeal beings without free will, created by God to fulfill specific purposes. Unlike humans, who have free will and can choose between good and evil, angels are bound to the will of God and cannot deviate from it.

Rabbinic Teachings on Angels

Rabbinic literature, including the Talmud and Midrash, expands on the roles and classifications of angels, discussing their involvement in the daily workings of the universe and in the lives of individuals. However, these texts also make it clear that the worship of angels is prohibited; in Judaism, worship is directed to God alone.

Angels in Jewish Mysticism

In Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, there is a rich tapestry of teachings about angels. Kabbalistic texts often explore the spiritual realms that angels inhabit and their roles in the divine scheme. Angels are also associated with the sefirot, which are attributes through which the divine manifests in the world.

Modern Jewish Belief

In contemporary Judaism, beliefs about angels can vary. Some may view angels as literal beings that exist in reality, while others may see them as metaphors for natural forces or complex spiritual concepts. Regardless, angels are a part of the rich fabric of Jewish theology and spiritual expression.

Conclusion

Noah, the concept of angels is indeed an integral part of Jewish belief, representing the myriad ways in which the divine interacts with the world. They are seen as a testament to God’s omnipresence and involvement in the cosmos and human history.

If you have any further questions or would like to explore the topic of angels or any other aspect of Jewish belief, please feel free to reach out.

With blessings and peace,

Rabbi Joshua

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Judaism

Do Jews Believe In Reincarnation?

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Seeking Insight on Jewish Beliefs about Reincarnation

Email from Rachel Goldstein: “Hello Rabbi Joshua, I’ve come across references to reincarnation in some Jewish mystical texts, and it’s sparked my curiosity. Is reincarnation a belief in Judaism, and if so, how is it understood within the faith?”

Response from Rabbi Joshua

Shalom Rachel, your question touches upon one of the more mystical aspects of Judaism. Let’s explore this intriguing topic.

Reincarnation in Jewish Mysticism

Reincarnation, known in Hebrew as “gilgul neshamot” (גלגול נשמות), which literally means “cycle of souls,” is indeed a concept found within Jewish mysticism, particularly in Kabbalah. According to this belief, souls can return to the physical world in different bodies, providing multiple opportunities for rectifying past misdeeds, fulfilling commandments, and perfecting the soul.

Kabbalistic Views on Reincarnation

The idea of reincarnation is most prominently discussed in the Kabbalistic work, the Zohar, and was further expounded upon by later Kabbalistic scholars like Rabbi Isaac Luria, also known as the Arizal. They teach that reincarnation is a mechanism for spiritual correction and that each incarnation provides unique challenges and opportunities for the soul’s growth.

Variety Within Jewish Belief

It’s important to note that while reincarnation is embraced by Kabbalah, it is not universally accepted across all Jewish denominations. Some Jewish thinkers and sects, particularly those of a more rationalist bent like the followers of Maimonides, do not give it the same emphasis or may reject the concept entirely.

Reincarnation and Jewish Practice

For those who believe in reincarnation, it often serves to deepen the understanding of life’s purpose, emphasizing the significance of every commandment and action in the broader context of a soul’s journey through multiple lifetimes.

Contemporary Jewish Perspectives

In modern Jewish thought, especially within non-Orthodox movements, reincarnation is not a central tenet and is often viewed metaphorically or as a spiritual parable rather than a literal truth.

Conclusion

Rachel, the concept of reincarnation in Judaism, where it is accepted, offers a rich and complex layer to Jewish spirituality, suggesting that our souls are on a long journey of growth that extends beyond a single lifetime. As with many aspects of Jewish mysticism, it provides a profound narrative that can inspire a deeper engagement with life’s moral and spiritual challenges.

If you wish to delve deeper into this subject or have other questions, please feel free to reach out.

With blessings on your journey of discovery,

Rabbi Joshua

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Judaism

Do Jews Believe in the Resurrection of the Dead?

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Exploring a Fundamental Jewish Doctrine

Email from Benjamin Weiss: “Rabbi Joshua, in my comparative religion studies, I’ve noted that many faiths have a belief in resurrection. I am curious to know, does Judaism also hold a belief in the resurrection of the dead?”

Response from Rabbi Joshua

Shalom Benjamin, your inquiry delves into one of the most profound and mystical areas of the Jewish faith. Let us explore this concept together.

The Principle of Resurrection in Jewish Thought

In Judaism, the belief in the resurrection of the dead, known in Hebrew as “Techiyat Ha-Metim” (תחיית המתים), is a fundamental principle. This belief is mentioned in the second blessing of the Amidah prayer, which is recited three times daily by observant Jews, and it is also one of Maimonides’ Thirteen Principles of Faith, which are widely considered a cornerstone of Jewish belief.

Talmudic and Biblical References

The resurrection is discussed in the Talmud, which contains several references to the revival of the dead in the Messianic era. The Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) also alludes to resurrection, most notably in the books of Ezekiel (37:1-14, the Vision of the Dry Bones) and Daniel (12:2), which speak of the dead being brought back to life.

Understanding the Resurrection in Judaism

Resurrection in Jewish eschatology is seen as part of the ultimate redemption, associated with the coming of the Messiah. It involves the idea that God will revive the dead and reunite them with their souls. This is seen not as a return to earthly life but as part of the transition to a more perfected existence in the World to Come.

Variations in Interpretation

It is important to recognize that there are various interpretations and beliefs about the resurrection within Judaism. Some understand it literally, as a physical resurrection of the body, while others interpret it more metaphorically, as a symbol of the renewal of the Jewish people, especially in the context of the rebirth of the State of Israel.

Modern Jewish Perspectives

In contemporary Jewish thought, especially in more liberal movements, the focus may be less on physical resurrection and more on the immortality of the soul or the legacy one leaves behind. However, the traditional belief in bodily resurrection remains an integral part of Orthodox Judaism.

Closing Thoughts

Benjamin, the belief in the resurrection of the dead is indeed a significant aspect of Jewish theology, rich with historical and spiritual significance. Like many religious concepts, it is multi-layered and can be interpreted in various ways within the broad spectrum of Jewish belief.

Should you have further questions or wish to explore this topic in more depth, please feel encouraged to reach out.

With blessings and peace,

Rabbi Joshua

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