Notable Sources
All Sources
A
Remembering and Erasing AmalekTANAKH
Remembering and Erasing Amalek
TANAKH
The historical and divine mandate to remember and obliterate the memory of Amalek underscores the moral and religious imperative to combat unprovoked evil. The Torah commands the Israelites to remember the attack by Amalek and to erase their memory once settled in the Promised Land.
Necromancy and the Soul's JourneyCOMMENTARY
Necromancy and the Soul's Journey
COMMENTARY
The practice of necromancy and the interaction between the soul and body within the first twelve months after death is a fascinating and complex topic. The Tze'enah Ure'enah, a Yiddish commentary on the Torah, provides insights into these mystical practices and their limitations.
Discerning the DivineTALMUD
Discerning the Divine
TALMUD
Joshua's ability to discern spiritual beings, specifically recognizing the captain of the host of the Lord and not mistaking him for a demon, highlights the importance of spiritual discernment. The Gemara in Tractate Megillah discusses an incident where Joshua bows to an unknown figure, raising questions about how he could do this given the teaching to avoid greeting unrecognized persons at night due to fear of demons.
The Mystery of DemonsTALMUD
The Mystery of Demons
TALMUD
Despite acknowledging the existence of demons, the rabbis admit to a lack of knowledge about their true nature and form. Rabbi Yoḥanan's statement in the Talmud mentions three hundred types of demons in a place called Shiḥin, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding their nature.
The Origins of LilithREFERENCE
The Origins of Lilith
REFERENCE
Lilith, often depicted as a wicked female demon in Jewish mythology, has a name with fascinating etymological roots tracing back to Akkadian culture. Ernest Klein's etymological dictionary dips into the origins and cultural significance of Lilith, distinguishing her name from the Hebrew word for night.
The Soul's Pre-Birth JourneyCHASIDUT
The Soul's Pre-Birth Journey
CHASIDUT
The soul's journey before birth, including its encounter with the Satan, reveals profound cosmic and spiritual challenges. In the mystical tales of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, the pre-birth journey of the soul is depicted with rich allegory and deep spiritual significance.
King Solomon's Dominion Over Demonic ForcesMUSAR
King Solomon's Dominion Over Demonic Forces
MUSAR
King Solomon's dominion extended beyond human realms to include supernatural forces. In the 17th-century work Shenei Luchot HaBerit, Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz explores the submission of demonic forces to King Solomon.
Divine Protection Against Harmful ForcesTARGUM
Divine Protection Against Harmful Forces
TARGUM
The divine presence and the Temple's incense have the power to repel harmful forces such as demons. The Aramaic Targum to Song of Songs, an interpretive translation, adds layers of mystical and theological meaning to the original text.
The Deadly Desert ShurMIDRASH
The Deadly Desert Shur
MIDRASH
The desert Shur is depicted as a place of supernatural danger, with lethal snakes that can disintegrate a bird merely by gliding over its shadow. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century compilation, Legends of the Jews, recounts the extraordinary measures taken by King Shapor to defeat such a snake.
The Origin and Nature of the GiantsMIDRASH
The Origin and Nature of the Giants
MIDRASH
The giants (Anakim) are depicted as descendants of the Nephilim, embodying pride, violence, and bloodshed. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a midrashic work attributed to Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus, offers a blend of folklore and moral teachings to expand on biblical narratives.
The Roots of Amalek's EnmityCOMMENTARY
The Roots of Amalek's Enmity
COMMENTARY
The enmity between Israel and Amalek is rooted in a historical and genealogical context that traces back to Esau's relinquishment of his claim to Canaan. The 13th-century Torah commentary, Chizkuni, delves into the origins of this enmity, explaining how Esau's descendants, particularly Amalek, sought to reclaim the promise of the land by force.
The Deceit of SatanMIDRASH
The Deceit of Satan
MIDRASH
Satan's deceitful nature is so ingrained that even his truths are met with skepticism. The Midrash Tanchuma, a collection of homiletic teachings, explores the narrative of the Binding of Isaac to illustrate themes of faith and divine testing.
The Serpent's Irrevocable CurseSECOND TEMPLE
The Serpent's Irrevocable Curse
SECOND TEMPLE
The serpent in Genesis is immediately cursed by God without a chance to defend itself, a unique instance of divine judgment. Philo of Alexandria, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, offers an allegorical interpretation of this event, blending Jewish theology with Greek philosophy.
Faith Under TrialJEWISH THOUGHT
Faith Under Trial
JEWISH THOUGHT
The story of Job exemplifies the testing of faith and loyalty through suffering and loss. Dr. Erica Brown ties this reflection on Job to the Jewish observance of the 'Three Weeks,' a period of mourning for the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem.
Guarding Against Harmful ForcesMISHNAH
Guarding Against Harmful Forces
MISHNAH
Internal, personal forces such as an evil eye, the evil inclination, and hatred for humankind can lead to one's downfall. Pirkei Avot, a tractate of the Mishnah, offers ethical teachings and maxims from the Rabbis, traditionally studied on Shabbat afternoons in the summer months.
Practical Precautions for Preserving LifeHALAKHAH
Practical Precautions for Preserving Life
HALAKHAH
Maimonides offers practical advice to avoid physical harm from natural dangers, emphasizing the Jewish value of preserving life. In his monumental 12th-century legal code, the Mishneh Torah, Maimonides provides guidelines for daily activities to prevent accidental harm.
Divine Protection at BedtimeLITURGY
Divine Protection at Bedtime
LITURGY
The Bedtime Shema emphasizes divine protection and trust in God as a shield against harmful forces. This prayer, recited before sleep, includes verses from Psalm 91 and is meant to invoke divine protection and peace during the night.
