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  1. D

    Kabbalah vs Judaism

    For non-Orthodox Kabbalists, would Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi be a good source?. Apparently, I've been told that Laitman sees his tradition as the "only true" form of Kabbalah, and, all other traditions, both non-Jewish and Jewish, as "frauds" or a waste of time.
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    Kabbalah vs Judaism

    I'm not sure, but, from what I read, Kabbalah is an accepted part of the mystical heritage of Judaism, but, some Rabbis feel that only certain people should be taught it, because it can lead to danger (for themselves or the community?). Also, I've been told by other Jews I know on another...
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    There is no G-d outside of you

    If it's ok to ask, how come the Alter Rebbe's theology is problematic?.
  4. D

    Ancient Israel

    Thanks very much for both your suggestions :).
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    Ancient Israel

    I was wondering, does anyone have any recommendations on what to read to learn about ancient Israel, as I'd like to learn a bit more about its history, but, I'm not sure on what to read, or what authors are considered good. I've seen some books, both online and in various shops, but, while...
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    'The Hebrew Goddess' by Raphael Patai

    I have a copy of 'The Hebrew Goddess' by Raphael Patai and I wanted to get other peoples thoughts on it. I haven't read it all yet, I've barely started it, as there are some other ones I want to get through first, but, I've had a flick through, and some of it seems quite interesting. I've seen...
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    Jesus was Mithra Re-Hashed?

    I know this is very old, but, I just found it in the archives, and wanted to reply to it, as I've seen other people take a similar position, and it kind of annoys me (either they'll deny the existence of Jesus or another religious founder). All that we know of Alexander the Great was written...
  8. D

    What is a Prophet?

    Thanks very much for both your answers, that helps me understand a lot more :).
  9. D

    Anyone have the idea the messiah could be just a myth in Judaism?

    I haven't read it, but, I've heard about this book 'There is No Messiah and You're It' by Robert N. Levine which takes the premise that the Messiah is something that each one of us can be, not someone with superpowers who'll fly in to save the day, it might be similar to what Ben talked about...
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    What is a Prophet?

    This is something I'm a bit confused over, and would like some clarification, but, in Judaism, what is a Prophet?, before, being raised in essentially a secular home (my Mum's from a Jewish background, but, is more Atheist than anything), I always assumed a Prophet was someone who had a...
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    Kabbalah course

    I know there are definitely far more knowledgeable people on this forum who can provide some good recommendations, but, I think anything by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan is going to be great, also, Daniel C. Matt, I found his 'Zohar - Annotated and Explained' to be really a great intro, Rabbi Arthur...
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    So in the Old Testament God did not necessarily condemn the nations for their religions?

    I've also seen it said that the the Conquest of Canaan is about the the inner battle between good and evil within us, and not a physical one.
  13. D

    'Creation and the Persistence of Evil'

    Thanks, I'll definitely check him out :).
  14. D

    'Creation and the Persistence of Evil'

    I was wondering, has anyone ever read this book - 'Creation and the Persistence of Evil - The Jewish Drama of Divine Omnipotence' by Jon D. Levonson, you can read a bit of it on Google Books as well. The reason I'm asking is, I saw this book ages ago on the internet, and, from the parts I've...
  15. D

    Learning Hebrew

    Thanks very much for all the help, those links look very helpful, and just what I was looking for as well.
  16. D

    Learning Hebrew

    I'm hoping someone can help me, I'm still in the middle of learning more about Judaism, and probably a long way off from finally converting, but, I'd really love to learn Hebrew, for various reasons, like, I'd like to be able to read Jewish texts (whether it's the Torah, or other texts) in its...
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    Happy Chanukah!

    May everyone here have a happy and blessed Chanukah :).
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    Gnostic Judaism

    I'm not sure about any modern movements, but, I am very interested in Gnosticism, and, from what I've read, Gnosticism was a child of Judaism, and, Gershom Scholem did also call the Kabbalah Jewish Gnosticism. I'd definitely be interested in reading any other replies here.
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    Rabbi Sacks - 'Religion should never seek power'

    Thanks for explaining. I remember watching a programme last year about certain Jewish women who couldn't get a get/divorce, even though their husband had run off and they may not have had contact in years (decades even). I find that ironic, because, I remember being told by someone that...
  20. D

    Rabbi Sacks - 'Religion should never seek power'

    If you don't mind me asking, what's the rabbanut?, BTW, what is Israeli Judaism like?, I've heard that the Haredi are actuall the minority, but, for some reason, wield a lot of power, do a lot of Israeli' adhere to Haredi beliefs?.
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