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Notable Sources
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The Adversary's Challenge
TANAKH
The biblical figure of the Adversary (the Satan) challenges the righteousness of humans like a prosecutor before God, as seen in the story of Job. Early in the Book of Job a scene plays out with divine beings, including the Adversary, presenting themselves before God, leading to a test of Job's faith.
Practical Advice on Avoiding Danger
TALMUD
The Talmud warns of 'Satan dancing between the horns of an ox', perhaps simply as a turn of phrase referring to the dangerous behavior of the ox. In the Talmudic tractate Pesachim, Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi provides guidance on practical matters, such as the danger posed by an ox emerging from the marsh.
The Spiritual Consequences of Slander
MUSAR
Lashon hara (slander) has been described as causing much damage among the different parties involved, and also even in the divine realm. Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, in his ethical work Shemirat HaLashon, draws from the Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism, to describe how the Satan reacts to slanderous words spoken.
Pruning Negative Forces with Prayer
MUSAR
This text makes reference to ubiqitous 'satanim'—devils, adversaries or prosecutors. In his 17th-century work, Rabbi Isaiah HaLevi Horovitz emphasizes the importance of introductory psalms to clear the air of these negative forces and allow prayers to ascend.
Silencing the Accuser
HALAKHAH
According to this source, when the Jewish people set aside their sorrows and work for God’s honor, it silences the accuser (satan) and grants Israel a new year of repair and redemption. Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, in his contemporary presentation of Jewish law, Peninei Halakhah, explains the significance of Rosh HaShanah as a time for introspection, repentance, and recognizing God's sovereignty.
Protection After the Bedtime Shema
LITURGY
There is a custom of reciting verses of protection and blessing along with the Shema before going to sleep at night. One of the verses included is this verse from a vision of Zechariah, describing God rebuking Satan.
The Consequences of Neglecting the Holy Portion
KABBALAH
The danger of Satan's persecutions and prosecutions are cited as reasons to honor God. The Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism, warns about the consequences of failing to give a portion to the Holy One during festivals.
The Internal Adversary
COMMENTARY
Is Satan a conscious figure unto itself, or does it represent forces within each human? This 18th century German commentary on an 11th century Spanish treatise identifies Satan with internal appetites and the evil inclination.
Faith in the Face of Adversity
JEWISH THOUGHT
Satan's challenge to God about Job drives the Book of Job's narrative and stands behind its philosophical discussions. Dr. Brown addresses the question of Satan's success or failure, given Job's reaction to his suffering.
Illustrations of the Book of Job (after William Blake). CC0 image
Illustrations of the Book of Job (after William Blake). CC0 image
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