Ask the Jews

[Zardoz]

With nothing but respect, this actually presents a classic example of the tendency in Jewish tradition to conflate two different ideas: part "z'man ha-mashiach" or the world after the mashiach comes, and part "olam ha-ba," the world to come, which is more of a celestial afterlife type of deal....

Excellent explanation as usual. my friend. Yes, there is much to be pondered...
In addition, one must wonder what happens to the soul while we wait for either of these two events occur... where are the souls of our loved ones right now...

I have said before on many an occasion elsewhere that it would behoove us to sort this out. Because while I have no problem believing in mashiach, or in a messianic world, I don't believe that such a world will result in its inhabitants having eternal life, or even necessarily freedom from trials and tribulations...

I too am in doubt if the resurrection happens during the Messianic era, actually. I think the people of that era will be physically no different than us, but what they do with the world is what will be different. There still will be war, only it will be war on disease and suffering.

I have often thought that the resurrection happens after the Messianic era, indeed long after even the earth exists, even after the universe exists. There is a Midrash that this universe is the sixth one that HaShem created, and he destroyed the others as they were unsatisfactory. We are beings designed to be physical, unlike the angels. I have no idea what we would do for all eternity, as spirits. Strum harps? Not what I would choose. What I think is that there will be a new universe, after this one is done, and the resurrection of the dead will be into that new universe. What is impossible to HaShem?

 

[Levite]

I have often thought that the resurrection happens after the Messianic era, indeed long after even the earth exists, even after the universe exists. There is a Midrash that this universe is the sixth one that HaShem created, and he destroyed the others as they were unsatisfactory. We are beings designed to be physical, unlike the angels. I have no idea what we would do for all eternity, as spirits. Strum harps? Not what I would choose. What I think is that there will be a new universe, after this one is done, and the resurrection of the dead will be into that new universe. What is impossible to HaShem?

A very interesting theological proposition! I know of midrashim that this is not the first world God created, of course, but I am not sure I have heard that this is a seventh, or that there will be another following this world. I find the prospect very intriguing, and well worth consideration.

Perhaps the evolution will be that we mortal humans of this universe will be the angels of the next universe....

 

[Rakhel]

This is one of the things I love about Judaism. The educational aspect of things. One can learn quite a bit just sitting and listening to two very learned individuals from different positions and learn so much in just one afternoon.

 

[blue8]

What do you think of Hermetic Qabalah?

Tnx in advance for answer.

 

[xkatz]

What do you think of Hermetic Qabalah?

The only things I have to say about Hermetic Qabalah in particular is that it's not Jewish (though influenced by Jewish Kabbalah) and it might actually constitute avodah zarah (idolatry/forbidden worship) though I cannot say for certain.

 

[Levite]

What do you think of Hermetic Qabalah?

Tnx in advance for answer.

Hermetic Qabalah is very interesting, but it is not Jewish in any way. Its roots lie partially and loosely in Jewish Kabbalah, but it itself in completely outside of true Jewish mysticism, and the two should certainly not be conflated.

It seems fine for non-Jews to use, but I would probably say that it crosses the line into impermissibility for Jews.

 

[ellenjanuary]

It's a process that requires study. I suggest that you investigate long enough to determine which denomination of Judaism you are most interested in, and then approach a rabbi of that denomination.

Thanks. It seems that there is another coincidence... that the synagogue in my hood is conservative. That seems to be the most likely denomination to accept one such as ellenjanuary.

My avatar, I wear around my neck as a sign of my commitment; that seems to be enough for now. There are many things, preconceptions, that need to be cleared from my conception space, before actual steps are taken.

As always, Auto, you speak with the voice of reason.

 

[islamicway]

I have a question about Shabbat: do Jews think of it as actually imitating God (in terms of resting from creation), or is it purely symbolic?

 

[xkatz]

I have a question about Shabbat: do Jews think of it as actually imitating God (in terms of resting from creation), or is it purely symbolic?

It's a symbolic act IMO.

 

[Levite]

I have a question about Shabbat: do Jews think of it as actually imitating God (in terms of resting from creation), or is it purely symbolic?

Well, different Jews have different opinions. I think the idea of imitating God resting from creation is not quite so literal, though. That story is more of a philosophical prooftext to support the idea that it is a holy endeavor to refrain from working and involving oneself in mundane matters for a day every week, and instead focus on the joys of family, spiritual activities, and the simple pleasures of life.

Traditionally, we often speak about Shabbat as being the greatest gift of God to the Jews. Many mystical beliefs have arisen about how we are closer to God on Shabbat than on the rest of the week, and everything is holier then. But there is no doubt that every generation of Jews has had reason to appreciate having a day wherein we may forget about the troubles and tribulations of everyday life, and recall instead the good things God gives us, and the sanctity of peacefulness.

If you'd like to read a very lovely, short, and accessible book on the subject, I recommend "The Sabbath," by Abraham Joshua Heschel.

 

[blue8]

Hello again!
Can you tell why is in Jewish law forbidden to eat pork. Was the reason for that very scarce conditions for keeping that sort of animal or something else?

 

[Levite]

Hello again!
Can you tell why is in Jewish law forbidden to eat pork. Was the reason for that very scarce conditions for keeping that sort of animal or something else?

There is not a practical reason given behind the forbidding of non-kosher animals (of which pigs are one). A list is given in the book of Leviticus containing animals we are forbidden to eat, and this list is expanded upon several places in the Talmud, where clarifications are made, and other animals added. We are expected to keep this commandment because it is part of the covenant we made with God. No more and no less.

Many peoples in the Ancient Near East did keep pigs and eat their flesh. We simply did not do so, because it was commanded of us. And the same laws of kashrut (what is and is not fitting to eat) still remain in force. Many animals are not kosher, pigs just happen to be one of them. In order for a land animal to be kosher, it must have split hoofs (which pigs do) and also chew their cuds (which pigs do not do).

 

[xkatz]

There is not a practical reason given behind the forbidding of non-kosher animals (of which pigs are one). A list is given in the book of Leviticus containing animals we are forbidden to eat, and this list is expanded upon several places in the Talmud, where clarifications are made, and other animals added. We are expected to keep this commandment because it is part of the covenant we made with God. No more and no less.

Many peoples in the Ancient Near East did keep pigs and eat their flesh. We simply did not do so, because it was commanded of us. And the same laws of kashrut (what is and is not fitting to eat) still remain in force. Many animals are not kosher, pigs just happen to be one of them. In order for a land animal to be kosher, it must have split hoofs (which pigs do) and also chew their cuds (which pigs do not do).

Besides, who needs bacon and other pork based products when you have turkey bacon and duck proscuitto?!

 

[Levite]

Besides, who needs bacon and other pork based products when you have turkey bacon and duck proscuitto?!

Have you ever had lamb bacon? At the Herzog wineries in Oxnard, CA, there's an internationally-rated restaurant, which happens to be kosher, run by Todd Aarons (he's a well-known chef). And he makes this lamb bacon which is maybe the single best thing I have ever put into my mouth. I hear some other upscale kosher places have started copying him.

If you ever get the chance to taste it, do. When I was a young man, and I went off the derekh for a while, and for a short time, I kept treyf (that is, I strayed, stopped keeping kosher for a bit), I tasted bacon. And I have to tell you, lamb bacon is at least as good, if not better, than pork bacon.

You're right on about duck prosciutto, though! I haven't had that since I left Israel!

 

[blue8]

There is not a practical reason given behind the forbidding of non-kosher animals (of which pigs are one).

Thanks for answering, Levite

 

[Zardoz]

Yet, even if we obey without reservation, we still learn from such mitzvot.

The non-kosher animals are predators, scavengers, and omnivores. Kosher ones are herbivores.

 

[Levite]

Yet, even if we obey without reservation, we still learn from such mitzvot.

The non-kosher animals are predators, scavengers, and omnivores. Kosher ones are herbivores.

Yeah, I know that's what some of the Rishonim said, and sure enough Rav Kook said it loud and clear.

Still, I have to admit, it's not clear to me that that is truly representative of the mindset of God/Moshe/whatever nevi'im wrote the Torah. Something about such explanations just fails to resonate with me. I can't say they're wrong, of course, but they just don't feel right to me. I don't know. Besides, kosher birds aren't herbivores, most of them eat insects as well as seeds and grains. And many kosher fish eat other fish or other small creatures.

Well, I dunno. Far be it from me to rain on Rav Kook's thunder, or yours, for no reason, I guess. Maybe I'm just skittish about trying to justify chukim (mitzvot with no given rational justification). Or maybe it's just late.....

 

[islamicway]

It's a symbolic act IMO.

Well, different Jews have different opinions. I think the idea of imitating God resting from creation is not quite so literal, though. That story is more of a philosophical prooftext to support the idea that it is a holy endeavor to refrain from working and involving oneself in mundane matters for a day every week, and instead focus on the joys of family, spiritual activities, and the simple pleasures of life.

Traditionally, we often speak about Shabbat as being the greatest gift of God to the Jews. Many mystical beliefs have arisen about how we are closer to God on Shabbat than on the rest of the week, and everything is holier then. But there is no doubt that every generation of Jews has had reason to appreciate having a day wherein we may forget about the troubles and tribulations of everyday life, and recall instead the good things God gives us, and the sanctity of peacefulness.

If you'd like to read a very lovely, short, and accessible book on the subject, I recommend "The Sabbath," by Abraham Joshua Heschel.

Thank you for your answers. I've read of the great deal of affection for the Shabbat, such as the Shabbat bride and at Havdalah there is a longing to keep the Shabbat for a little bit longer.

I'll check that book out, thanks for the tip. I've read the Shabbat section in 'To be a Jew', is it similar (if you're familiar with To be a Jew or does it offer other details?)
I think in To be a Jew it says that the Shabbat is an island in time, a very tranquil and peaceful metaphor.

 

[Levite]

Thank you for your answers. I've read of the great deal of affection for the Shabbat, such as the Shabbat bride and at Havdalah there is a longing to keep the Shabbat for a little bit longer.

I'll check that book out, thanks for the tip. I've read the Shabbat section in 'To be a Jew', is it similar (if you're familiar with To be a Jew or does it offer other details?)
I think in To be a Jew it says that the Shabbat is an island in time, a very tranquil and peaceful metaphor.

Sure. To Be A Jew is a fine introduction to Judaism. And while it's been a while since I read it, I'm sure he probably does give due mention to our love for Shabbat, and the excellence it is regard with among us.

 

[Flankerl]