#talmud study

[kimchicuddles]

I'm currently (very slowly) writing a graphic novel about studying the talmud. If you're interested in seeing my behind the scenes process about that, and various other things including this comic as I write it, join the fun over on patreon.com/kimchicuddles ❤ Thank you so much for supporting my work!!

[httpsoftbunni]

The Deception of Metatron and Hidden Dangers

Not all interpretations of Metatron are benevolent. Some traditions of Metatron are benevolent. Some traditions and theological perspectives warn that Metatron may be a deceptive figure, leading seekers away from true divine worship and into forbidden knowledge that distorts spiritual truth. Today, I am to explore the possibility that his influence is not always in alignment with God's will.

Metatron's Possible Usurpation of God's Authority

The Angel Who Sits on the Throne – A False Intermediary?

One of the most controversial aspects of Metatron's identity is the claim that he sits near or even upon the divine throne. In the Babylonian Talmud (Sanhedrin 38b), Rabbi Elisha ben Abuyah encounters Metatron in heaven and mistakenly worships him, believing him to be a second deity. This moment is pivotal, as it suggests Metatron's presence can lead to idolatry–the very sin that monotheism seeks to avoid.

The Talmud further states that Metatron was immediately punished by God for allowing himself to be venerated, implying that his role is not meant to rival God's sovereignty. However, the fact that this misunderstanding could arise suggests that Metatron's influence might mislead worshippers into revering an intermediary rather than the Creator.

Deception or a Test of Faith?

Some interpretations argue that Metatron serves as a test: will seekers remain loyal to God alone, or will they be tempted to elevate an angel to divine status? This parallels the warning in Exodus 20:3, "You shall have no other gods before Me." The New Testament also echoes this in Colossians 2:18, warning against the "worship of angels."

The Problem of an Angel Becoming "Lesser YHWH"

Some texts describe Metatron as "lesser YHWH," a title that dangerously implies he carries divine authority. This contradicts the strict monotheism of Judaism and Christianity, where only God is sovereign. If Metatron were truly obedient to God, why would he be associated with a divine name? Could this indicate a rebellion or an attempt to claim higher status? The Bible warns against such figures.

Isaiah 14:12-15 describes Lucifer's fall due to his pride and desire to ascend to God's throne. If Metatron is depicted as sitting on a throne or carrying divine power, does this not resemble the pride of Lucifer?

[bibleluvr]

Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly now. Love mercy now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it."

-The Talmud

[progressivejudaism]

Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz died Friday in Jerusalem at the age of 83

The rabbi, who is best known for translating the Talmud into modern Hebrew, had been in the hospital with a lung infection since Tuesday.

May Rabbi Steinsaltz’s memory live on in our hearts, souls, and Bitei Midrash as a beautiful blessing.

[dafyomi14]

PaRDeS

PaRDeS is an acronym that can help us understand Jewish exegesis (interpretations of text). It’s also a handy way of thinking about how we analyze secular/non-Jewish literature, albeit often for different purposes.

There are four types of traditional Jewish exegesis of texts:

https://rabbiharvey.wordpress.com/2016/08/26/pardes/

[A diagram with four columns. A double sided arrow with the word “exegesis” on it runs between them. The columns: (1) P - Peshat - Plain Simple Meaning; (2) R - Remez - A Hint or Allusion in The Text; (3) D - D’rash - A Metaphor, Comparison, or Illustration through a Teaching; (4) S - Sod - A Mysterious or Hidden Meaning Behind the Text]

Together, these create an acronym for “pardes” a Hebrew loanword from Persian that means garden or orchard. (For English-speakers who don’t speak Hebrew, Chabad recommends “PaRaDiSe” as an acronym.) The best way to understand how PaRDeS analysis works is to read some examples. If you skim through the sources, many include examples of PaRDeS analysis (skip jewishvirtual library and jewishjournal, those links don’t include much in the way of examples or elaboration).

As you learn about each of these methods of analysis, you’ll note that many require reading the text in its original language. For the Talmud, that’s Aramaic, and for the TaNaKh, that’s Hebrew. If you don’t yet feel comfortable working in each language, you can still look at the other elements in translation.  You might also consider learning with a teacher or peer who has more experience working in the text’s language. Another option is to work through some of the pieces that interest you most with a dictionary. Over time, the more you work in the original language (even with a dictionary), the easier it’ll become and the more words you’ll end up knowing. A Gemara card has words that commonly appear in the Gemara, and can be a big help in this area. It might also help you to read up on or otherwise learn Aramaic’s grammar.

A side note: Reconstructionist, Conservative, and Reform Jews, or Jews who otherwise connect with positive historical approaches may also choose to bring that approach into their textual analysis. (If you do on this blog, I recommend listing it as an FOR for ease of discussion.)  For more about positive historical analysis, read http://zacharias-frankel-college.de/de/zacharias-frankel-college/the-positive-historical-approach-to-judaism.html or talk to a rabbi from one of those movements.

Sources

https://rabbiharvey.wordpress.com/2016/08/26/pardes/

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/pardes

https://jewishjournal.com/current_edition/164960/

https://ohr.edu/ask_db/ask_main.php/163/Q2/

https://www.chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/1270231/jewish/Introduction.htm

[ask-jumblr]

Does anyone know any good daily daf yomi podcasts, YouTube channels, etc that aren't incredibly long? I want to study but my synagogue doesn't offer any talmud groups.

[jewish-education]

Hey Jumblr! I’m looking for a text study discord/community

One that’s specifically Talmud would be amazing. But Torah study would be good to. Not for me, it’s for a prospective convert who I’ve been PMing with. He’s been asking some great questions and would be a great asset to any study group.

Please signal boost!

[bibleluvr]

Want to live a more religious life but don't know where to start? Here are some ideas:

Get into the habit of praying, even if it's short and in-between a busy routine. You can worry about putting intentional time away for prayer later; it's just important to start.

Maintain an attitude of gratefulness. Hashem has blessed us with a life where we get to witness His creation each and every day. As the Talmud says, do not be overwhelmed by the state of this world! It's definitely hard at first, but now finding beauty and good in God's creation is like second nature to me.

Thank Hashem at least once a day; it may seem like very little, but I didn't even thank God weekly. Doing it just once a day can (and hopefully will!) change your perspective and nurture your relationship with Hashem.

Don't try to sit and read the Torah all at once! While I admire the devotion of those who read the Torah every day to study it in depth, I'm often too busy or forgetful to do so. What I do, is I read the Torah over the course of the week and reread the portions that move me.

Once you're used to prayer and reading the Torah, I would begin the practice of reading one page of the Talmud each day! However, if you have a tight schedule, then reading the Torah is more than enough to praise Hashem.

Begin to cut out and/or limit the amount of "forbidden" food you consume. Everyone's lives are different and not everyone is able to keep kosher (I would be lying if I said I do it regularly myself); however, this practice may be deeply fulfilling to some so I'm including it in here!

Find community! Follow blogs that inspire you to follow Hashem and lead a life dedicated to Him. It can be overwhelming and isolating at times, so finding community whether online or in person is so, so important

Forgive yourself. You're imperfect and that's okay. We all fall short of God's kindness and beauty. It's our effort to exist in God's image and to follow the way of life He commanded us to that counts.

It's okay to not get it right the first time. It's okay to be disorganized. Faith is hard and life is messy. It's your effort that proves your love and devotion to Hashem, not about whether you have the practice of Following Him just right. I hope this list is helpful to some 💖✡️