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Of course, we have no pretensions of actually understanding exactly what these seraphim, ophanim, and chayot hakodesh are. It is apparent from Chazal and from the early commentators that they represent parallel or even overlapping concepts (see Rambam, Yesodei Hatorah 2:7). We will take a quick look at the explanation of seraphim. The Targum renders the word into Aramaic as "the holy servants." Rashi and other Rishonim say, based on the root of the word, that their job was to burn.
The above has to do with what the prophets saw when they had visions of that which those who served Hashem were doing in the heavens. We see angels (malachim) appearing in our world, as messengers of Hashem, in many places in the Torah and Tanach. One appeared to Hagar in the desert (Bereishit 16:7). Another stopped Avraham from slaughtering Yitzchak (ibid. 22:11). Another appeared to Yaakov in Aram (ibid. 31:11). An angel gave instructions to Eliyahu (Melachim I, 19:5). David saw an angel hovering ominously over Yerushalayim (Divrei Hayamim I 21:16). In all of these places and all others, a malach is never described as having wings. In several of those we mentioned and in others (see Yehoshua 5:13) an angel was armed with a sword.
Our rabbis disputed what a malach represents. Rashi says that those who merit it can see them in daily life in the physical world, and that they indeed sometimes look like people. The Rambam and his camp of thinkers say that one can see malachim only in a prophetic vision. Some thinkers note that any being or thing that acts as an agent of Hashem can earn the title of malach. It can be a natural phenomenon, an animal, or even someone who is man-like.
How will the various opinions deal with the pasuk: "Hashem makes his malachim of spirit, His servants a glowing fire" (Tehillim 104:4)? Rashi says that the malachim, who were created on the second day, are spiritual beings, but they can take on physical attributes. The Rambam again says that they are things one can see only in a vision. According to the third approach, they can even be something physical that serves its Maker.
What is clear from all these sources is that there is no Jewish source for angels with wings.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
