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  1. LAGoff

    Those sayings in the Psalms

    I don't know about '"the Divine in Judaism". ('the Divine' sounds mystical and abstract to me) I did (do) know about Hashem though, in a non mystical and non intellectual way through doing the mitzvoth/halakhot; only, the relationship must have been lacking something-- otherwise I wouldn't have...
  2. LAGoff

    Those sayings in the Psalms

    If you read the last paragraph of Dovber, which I posted, you will see that according to him, Re'uta D'Libah is preceded by the great [mystical] love /Ahava Rabba. Only "after this he will come to the level of 'You shall love… with all your being' (Bechol Me’odecha), wherein he comes to the...
  3. LAGoff

    Those sayings in the Psalms

    Thanks. I read it. (just now) It has similarities to ACIM, I think, especially in regard to Unity. Dovber seems to be saying that nothing really exists other than God; and that from this contemplation a love comes; and that 'subsequently' we [are really able, with a whole heart, to] do the...
  4. LAGoff

    Those sayings in the Psalms

    Thanks! Yeah. I am reading that MT section and its sources and commentaries, and it is supplying the missing piece that I couldn't find without your help.
  5. LAGoff

    Those sayings in the Psalms

    You wrote: "Also, as the Rambam later stated: "It is a positive mitzvah to cleave unto the Hachamim in order to learn from their deeds as [Deuteronomy 10:20] states: "and you will cling to Him." Our Sages [questioned the nature of this command for] is it possible for man to cling to the Divine...
  6. LAGoff

    Those sayings in the Psalms

    I have to tell you that the reason I am asking about those particular verses [found mostly] in Psalms is that those verses sound similar to how I feel now doing ACIM; so I wonder if you cast your burden on Hashem and allow Him to shepherd you? Maybe through seeing how you and other Jews do...
  7. LAGoff

    Those sayings in the Psalms

    LAGoff (me) said: ↑ But if that is true, why are the Psalms (and other places in the OT) so insistent that they can work (if we just ask)? Is it simply that the old way is there to set us up for failure, as the NT ('Paul') explicitly tells us? You wrote: "That is actually not what the Hebrew...
  8. LAGoff

    Those sayings in the Psalms

    Since no one has responded, perhaps I can phrase my question like this to make it more 'respondible': The Psalms (and a few other places in the OT) are dripping with statements that tell a lost/weak/sick Jew that strength, healing, and purpose are right there for the asking; but of course, in...
  9. LAGoff

    Those sayings in the Psalms

    I would appreciate any relevant comments. The discussion below is from another religious forum website? (the OP was the same as for this thread-- see above) Someone else (not me: LAGoff) wrote: Reading about doing Mitzvoth and expecting to be changed is like reading about fitness and...
  10. LAGoff

    Those sayings in the Psalms

    I have not found a mechanism in Judaism or Tanakh that can catapult or spring my spiritual development into the next level like [the concept of] the Holy Spirit in the NT did for me. (actually, I got 'It' via ACIM / A Course in Miracles) I know there are some passages in Tanakh (mostly in...
  11. LAGoff

    'Spirit' in Judaism

    I have been a 'frequent' poster here for several years. I realize that what I am saying in this post should forfeit the privilege of posting here, but perhaps you will allow this: I practiced Judaism to the best of my ability for 30 years. I found it often edifying, comforting, and -- at times...
  12. LAGoff

    The Kingdom and Temple Without and Within

    So you hold that its just on the face of things, but...? And, of course, there is Kabbalah. Seems like according to it, the seeming 'non-'spirituality'' (on the face of things?) is just the face, but underneath... seems like it tries to outdo all the other spiritually soaked religions. On the...
  13. LAGoff

    The Kingdom and Temple Without and Within

    I've been thinking about my OP. I've discovered that Tanakh really isn't 'spiritual'. (at least, not in the 'mystery religion', Christian, 'gnostic', 'New Age' spirituality sense) Most Scriptures are what I call 'spiritually-soaked', which is just another way of saying, spiritually manic. One...
  14. LAGoff

    The Kingdom and Temple Without and Within

    I suppose because we (ALL humans) are in the image and likeness of God and have the neshama breathed into us, the Tora (and the rest of Tanakh) had great hope, respect and faith in our ability to -- as you ('Harel13') say -- complete the external and internal worship of Hashem. "Make Me a...
  15. LAGoff

    The Kingdom and Temple Without and Within

    What do you mean by: that I am asking how to actualize something in myself that comes from the NT? Do you mean that since humans are in God's image and likeness; and God breathed His neshama into humans, that humans don't need much of the 'within' stuff because humans are born with all the...
  16. LAGoff

    The Kingdom and Temple Without and Within

    To what [contradiction] are you referring to? Take what to heart? Do you mean that the Tora (and the rest of Tanakh) just seems to emphasize the 'outward', but really emphasizes the 'inward'? (and vice-versa for the Christian Scriptures?)
  17. LAGoff

    The Kingdom and Temple Without and Within

    I have been inspired by the NT to make a 'Kingdom' and 'Temple' for God WITHIN. My question is: Where can I get inspiration in the OT to do this, as it seems to be concentrated on building up a Kingdom and Temple WITHOUT.
  18. LAGoff

    Some questions

    1. Judaism is important to me because I can't conceive of what God would be before (or without) the Hebrew Scriptures. The Tanakh has -- so to speak -- so made God what He is 'today' that it is for me as natural as breathing to give first place (Dt 6:4) to Him. (I see 'echad' as meaning that we...
  19. LAGoff

    Looking for feedback on this interview with Russell Gmirkin

    Thanks. You make great points. I am woefully ignorant of Plato. I skimmed through his 'Laws' and haven't actually read the Republic (although I have a copy and plan to) or Timaeus. I plan to comment more when I have read (skimmed) all three. (can you suggest more [from Plato]?) My motivation to...
  20. LAGoff

    Looking for feedback on this interview with Russell Gmirkin

    I recall he said something about how Plato counseled in his 'Laws' (or perhaps in the 'Republic') that any nation that attempts to implement his program should keep the old laws. I think Gmirkin (or Wajdenbaum 2016, see below) said that most of the laws in the Tora are actually not new. (c. 270...
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