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Who Merits the World-to-Come?MISHNAH
Who Merits the World-to-Come?
MISHNAH
Even those who have committed severe sins or are subject to capital punishment can still have a share in the World-to-Come, with specific exceptions for those who deny fundamental tenets of the faith. The Mishnah, the first codification of Jewish law from the early third-century land of Israel, outlines who merits a share in the World-to-Come, emphasizing the importance of faith and respect for Torah.
The Betrayal of Joseph PfefferkornCOMMENTARY
The Betrayal of Joseph Pfefferkorn
COMMENTARY
Joseph Pfefferkorn, a Jewish convert to Christianity, actively promoted anti-Jewish measures, leading to significant persecution of Jewish communities. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks delves into the historical events of the early 16th century, highlighting the betrayal and persecution instigated by a former Jew.
Suffering and Heresy Across GenerationsCHASIDUT
Suffering and Heresy Across Generations
CHASIDUT
The connection between personal suffering in a specific location and the ancestral or future actions associated with that place is explored in Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's Sefer HaMiddot. This ethical work delves into how suffering may be linked to past or future transgressions related to the same location, highlighting the interconnectedness of generations and the spiritual ramifications of one's actions.
Internal Conflicts and Greek InfluenceSECOND TEMPLE
Internal Conflicts and Greek Influence
SECOND TEMPLE
The internal conflicts and adoption of Greek customs among the Jewish people led to a significant departure from traditional Jewish laws and practices. Josephus, a 1st-century Jewish historian, provides a detailed account of these events during the Hellenistic period, offering crucial context for understanding the book of Maccabees, an apocryphal work that tells the story of the Hasmonean revolt and its aftermath, and the struggle to maintain Jewish traditions.
The Doubts of Elisha ben AvuyaREFERENCE
The Doubts of Elisha ben Avuya
REFERENCE
Elisha ben Avuya's journey from a respected sage to a heretic challenges our understanding of faith and divine justice. Gershom Bader's biographical account delves into the personal experiences that led Elisha to question fundamental Jewish beliefs.
The Origins of HeresyCOMMENTARY
The Origins of Heresy
COMMENTARY
The Sadducees and Karaites, who rejected the Oral Torah, have been a divisive force within the Jewish community since their inception. Rabbi Ovadiah of Bartenura’s 15th-century commentary on the Mishnah, the first codification of Jewish law from the early third-century land of Israel, traces the origins and ideological basis of these heretical sects.
Conditional Slaughter by HereticsHALAKHAH
Conditional Slaughter by Heretics
HALAKHAH
The Shulchan Arukh outlines guidelines for handling ritual slaughter performed by heretics, specifically Sadducees and Baiythiates. Rabbi Joseph Karo’s 16th-century legal code addresses when such slaughter is permissible, requiring expert supervision and knife inspection to ensure its validity.
Job and the Resurrection of the DeadJEWISH THOUGHT
Job and the Resurrection of the Dead
JEWISH THOUGHT
Job was considered a heretic because he denied the resurrection of the dead, a core belief in Jewish eschatology. Menasseh ben Israel's 17th-century work delves into the rabbinic debates on resurrection, defending traditional views against skepticism.
Moses Under FireMIDRASH
Moses Under Fire
MIDRASH
Moses faced relentless personal attacks and slander from heretics who sought to undermine his leadership. The Sifrei Devarim, a midrashic commentary on Deuteronomy, details the challenges Moses faced from dissenters within the Israelite community.
Ostracizing HereticsTOSEFTA
Ostracizing Heretics
TOSEFTA
The Tosefta outlines stringent prohibitions and severe social and economic restrictions against Jewish heretics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Jewish ritual purity and distinctiveness. This late 2nd-century compilation of Jewish oral law, the Tosefta, an ancient collection of rabbinic laws and teachings from the land of Israel, supplements the Mishnah and addresses the prohibition of idolatrous practices.
A Plea for Divine JusticeLITURGY
A Plea for Divine Justice
LITURGY
The Amidah prayer includes a plea for divine intervention to eliminate heretics and adversaries, reflecting historical periods of persecution. This central prayer in Jewish liturgy has been modified or omitted in some communities due to its harsh language.
The Consequences of HeresyGUIDES
The Consequences of Heresy
GUIDES
While all Jews have a share in the World-to-Come, certain actions can lead to the ultimate punishment of absolute oblivion. The Babylonian Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism, discusses the concept of the World-to-Come and the severe consequences for heretical actions.
The Rise of IdolatryHALAKHAH
The Rise of Idolatry
HALAKHAH
The historical development and spread of idolatry led to the forgetting of God's name and the rise of distorted religious practices. In his monumental 12th-century legal code, the Mishneh Torah, Rambam details the origins of idolatry and emphasizes the importance of monotheism in Judaism.
Understanding the MumarHALAKHAH
Understanding the Mumar
HALAKHAH
The nuanced distinctions within the category of a 'mumar' (apostate) in Jewish law reveal the complexity of Jewish legal thought regarding those who rebel against the Torah. This text delves into the various types of apostates, differentiating between those who reject the entire Torah and those who rebel against a single commandment, and further distinguishing between ideological and convenience-based rebellion.
Beware of False ProphetsTARGUM
Beware of False Prophets
TARGUM
False prophets or dreamers can perform signs or miracles that mislead people. The Targum Jonathan, an Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, warns against such false prophets and emphasizes the importance of adhering to true prophecy and divine commandments.
The Indifference of HereticsMUSAR
The Indifference of Heretics
MUSAR
Those who forsake God lack genuine fear of God, leading to indifference towards sin. Rabbeinu Yonah of Gerona’s 13th-century work, Sha'arei Teshuvah, is a foundational text on repentance, particularly studied during the High Holy Days.
The Fate of False ProphetsTALMUD
The Fate of False Prophets
TALMUD
False prophets who prophesy in the name of idol worship, like the prophets of Baal, are subject to severe consequences. The Mishnah, the first codification of Jewish law from the early third-century land of Israel, in Tractate Sanhedrin rules that such false prophets are liable to be executed, with the Gemara providing the example of the prophets of Baal from I Kings, chapter 18.
Guarding the Integrity of KabbalahKABBALAH
Guarding the Integrity of Kabbalah
KABBALAH
The proliferation of unqualified interpretations of Kabbalah can misguide future generations. Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag, a prominent 20th-century Kabbalist, critiques this issue and emphasizes the importance of authentic transmission from knowledgeable rabbis.
Condemnation of IdolatryTANAKH
Condemnation of Idolatry
TANAKH
Turning to the worship of other gods and celestial bodies is explicitly condemned as heresy. The fifth book of the Torah, Deuteronomy, emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and prohibits idolatry.