Questions tagged [malach-angel]
Relating to Angels in Judaism.
187
questions
2
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1answer
108 views
Why were angels' names brought back?
Related.
A well-known gemara in the Yerushalmi (Rosh Hashanah 6a) says:
"רשב"ל אמר אף שמות המלאכים עלו בידן מבבל. בראשונה (ישעיהו ו׳:ו׳) ויעף אלי אחד מן השרפים (שם) שרפים עומדים ממעל לו ...
3
votes
3answers
406 views
Does Rashi refer to Arabs when describing the 3 people who visited Abraham?
The Torah writes (Bereshit 18:2)
[Abraham] saw three men standing near him
Rashi comments right after (on 18:4)
כַּסָּבוּר שֶׁהֵם עַרְבִיִּים
which can be translated "[Abraham] thought they ...
4
votes
1answer
91 views
Sources for the Rambam's hierarchy of angels
Traditional meforshim of Yechezkel 1 (for example, the Malbim) explain that the three often-mentioned classes of angels (ofanim, chayos and seraphim) correspond to the notions of the 3 lower worlds (...
1
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1answer
59 views
The presence of Angels when uncovered (source)
I can't remember exactly where I read this, but is it true that angels are not present when someone is uncovered? Is there a source for this?
4
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0answers
80 views
Do the current nations also have their own angels like the 70 from in the Torah?
Do the current nations (in 2021) also each have their own angel, like the 70 nations mentioned in the Torah?
4
votes
1answer
101 views
Is it acceptable to translate ‘hallelu’ and 'yah' into the English expression “Praise the Lord”
My understanding is that Hallelujah (or Alleluia) is a compound word from the Hebrew ‘hallelu’, meaning “to praise joyously,” and ‘yah’, a shortened form of the unspoken name of G-d. It is an active ...
1
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1answer
69 views
What's the relationship or difference between Azael and Azazel (עזא"ל vs. לעזאזל)?
Azael and Azazel seem similar or related.
Is it that Azael is an accusing angel that occupies Azazel the rocky cliff that is associated with Esau - Seir(Goat, thus the YK goat to dispel) - the Accuser?...
3
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1answer
162 views
Why does the Torah not write about or mention the creation of the Angels/Melachim? When were they made?
It's something I've interested in for a while ;)
Thank you!
0
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0answers
29 views
Adam wiser than angels - meaning and implications
אָדָם הָרִאשׁוֹן מֶה הָיְתָה חָכְמָתוֹ? כְּשֶׁבִּקֵּשׁ הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא לִבְרֹאת אֶת הָאָדָם ... אָמַר לָהֶם אָדָם שֶׁאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִבְרֹאת חָכְמָתוֹ מְרֻבָּה מִשֶּׁלָּכֶם, מֶה עָשָׂה כִּנֵּס ...
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0answers
43 views
Why did Hashem choose to give the message about Resurrection through Gavriel?
Shalom.
I am having difficulty understanding why Hashem chose to deliver the definitive message about something as important as the Resurrection through an angel and not, directly, Himself (Daniel 12:...
2
votes
1answer
64 views
In Shemot 12:23, Was הַמַּשְׁחִ֔ית Ha-Mashchit (The-Destroyer) actually HaShem Himself or a Mal’ak?
In Shemot 12:23, Was הַמַּשְׁחִ֔ית Ha-Mashchit (The-Destroyer) actually HaShem Himself or a Mal’ak?
After reading verse 23 in Exodus 12 : “For when YHVH goes through to smite the Egyptians, He will ...
1
vote
1answer
42 views
What might G-d's self identification as “the ruler of armies” be intended to express?
In divine dealings with Israel and the nations, we don't really see divine armies employed much. More often foreign armies are employed in order to punish Israel and bring her into exile.
We do see ...
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0answers
46 views
What practical powers do angels have?
In Jewish theology, what practical physical powers do angels have? How far can they intervene in our world while on a mission? Are those powers linked to the "name" they have for their ...
3
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0answers
65 views
Is Satan a being or just a mission any angel could fulfill?
Midrash B"R quoted by Rashi (Genesis.32.30, and similarly Judges.13.18) says that:
"We [angels] have no fixed names; our names change, all depending upon the service we are commanded to ...
1
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2answers
120 views
Joseph and Gabriel
What is the relationship between them?
The rabbis say that Gabriel was the man that saw him being sent into slavery. He was also the one that taught him 70 languages. Further, Gabriel told him to ...
2
votes
2answers
212 views
Variable names for angels
The mysterious stranger with whom Jacob wrestled all night would not give his name. [Genesis 32:25-33]
The Midrash [Genesis Rabbah 78:4] explains that the reason is that angels do not have fixed ...
1
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2answers
102 views
Who is Nuriel? (e.g. Solomon Ibn Gabirol's Shinanim piyut)
It seems to have been quoted in the piyut Shinanim by Solomon Ibn Gabirol (page 134 of the Spanish Portuguese Kippur service).
In this piyut, Nuriel is mentioned. Who is he? What are his ...
3
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2answers
291 views
Who are the bene elim?
In Tehilim 29:1, it mentions the bene elim. Who are they? Please cite sources. It seems to have been quoted in the piyut Shinamim by Solomon Ibn Gabirol (page 134 of the Spanish Portuguese Kippur ...
4
votes
2answers
101 views
Angels Eating: The case of Avraham Vs Lot
I came across a fascinating Tanna D'Vei Eliyahu Rabbah (12:1) which states:
וכל האומר לא אכלו מלאכי השרת עם אברהם אע"ה לא אמר כלום אלא בצדקתו של אותו צדיק ובשכר טורח שטרח בשבילם פתח להם הקב"...
1
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4answers
210 views
Did Avraham know the visitors were angels?
Related (among others)
When the three men walk past Avraham's tent, he runs out to bring them in and feeds them (expressions of Mid-Eastern hospitality). Does he know (think, guess?) at any point that ...
1
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1answer
72 views
Is a Mezuzah an Angel?
While reading Tehillim 119:164 commentary on " שֶׁ֣בַע בַּ֖יּוֹם הִלַּלְתִּ֑יךָ ", the interlinear Schottenstein Edition stated :
Midrashically this also refers to seven mitzvos with which ...
0
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0answers
70 views
What does sacrificing a soul mean?
The Talmud Bavli in Chagiga 12b mentions that there is a place where the angel Michael offers korbanos to Hashem. The Chiddushei Aggados commentary (can be seen on the above link on Sefaria) states a ...
1
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1answer
175 views
Is it permitted to have zodiac symbols in a synagogue?
Many shuls in Eastern Europe have painted zodiac symbols (albeit in a rather symbolic manner) on the walls or ceiling. However, it is stated directly in the Mishneh Torah that one may not draw the ...
2
votes
1answer
122 views
Original Nikud for Raphael?
רָפָאֵל or רְפָאֵל
What is the original nikud? I have seen some variation before and wonder if the name should begin with Kamatz or Sheva?
Thank you for any help you can give.
0
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0answers
69 views
Does the angel Raquiel appear in the Zohar?
Good morning to all,
Would you know if the angel Raquiel appear in the Zohar or other Jewish litterature ?
0
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0answers
119 views
Tériel Tariel meaning and mythology
Good morning to all,
Would you know if Tériel or Tariel has any meaning in Hebrew/Ancient Hebrew/Aramaic/Akkadian? And if there is any mythology attached to it? Maybe from the Zohar or Kabbalah as ...
2
votes
2answers
133 views
Would it be forbidden to own images of angels?
Okay, I'll try be a little bit more specific. Say someone was in possession of an angelic figure(s), they did not create the figure, they ascribe no power to the figure, and they certainly don't ...
0
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0answers
51 views
Deformed Malachim through Mispronunciation of Words in Tefilah
There is a common saying that whenever one mispronounces a word in tefila, a deformed malach is created that will testify against him in Beis Din shel Mala. Does anyone have source for this?
The only ...
3
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0answers
86 views
How these malachim became involved with the origins of idolatry?
Parsha Shelach 13:33 says the following:
And there we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who come of the
Nephilim; and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were
in their sight.
The ...
4
votes
1answer
109 views
Malachim of Nations constantly fighting?
I think recall learning about how the Malachim of different nations fight each other very often, like raging Bulls, and this causes wars in the Earthly realm between nations. What is the source for ...
4
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0answers
67 views
Seeking a source for Keruvim as destructive angels vs saintly children
I was wondering if anyone could please help me - I am seeking the source for the following vort:
The Keruvim in Bereishis are described as destructive angles guarding gan eden, but we know them also ...
2
votes
2answers
279 views
10 types of angels
In Hilchot Yesodei Hatorah 2:7 Rambam says:
שִׁנּוּי שְׁמוֹת הַמַּלְאָכִים עַל שֵׁם מַעֲלָתָם הוּא. וּלְפִיכָךְ נִקְרָאִים חַיּוֹת הַקֹּדֶשׁ וְהֵם לְמַעְלָה מִן הַכּל וְאוֹפַנִּים וְאֶרְאֶלִּים ...
0
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2answers
239 views
Are angels supernatural beings?
Today's popular view of angels is that they are supernatural beings with various powers.
But the Biblical word מַלְאָךְ, mal'ak, can simply mean "messenger" or "agent", and it is translated as such ...
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votes
2answers
85 views
How angel's strength is determined?
וַיִּוָּתֵר יַעֲקֹב לְבַדּוֹ וַיֵּאָבֵק אִישׁ עִמּוֹ עַד עֲלוֹת הַשָּׁחַר׃
Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the break of dawn. (Gen 32.25)
We already learned that:
Angels ...
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0answers
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Angels saying Shirah before Hashem - “daily” rituals?
Rashi on Gen 32.27
כי עלה השחר. וְצָרִיךְ אֲנִי לוֹמַר שִׁירָה בַּיּוֹם (חולין צ"א):
כי עלה השחר FOR THE DAY BREAKETH, and I have to sing God’s praise at day (Chullin 91b; Genesis Rabbah 78:1).
...
1
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1answer
629 views
What is the Samach Mem?
I hear Chassidic stories that the Samach Mem causes Jews to fight, and other evil
What is it? What is it's goal? What is it's powers? Why did G-d Almighty creat it?
Where can I read more about ...
4
votes
0answers
73 views
Why would G-d let angels speak on His behalf?
In regards to this question of mine I would like to ask:
In Genesis/Bereshit 18:10 it seems that one of the men/angels visiting Avraham is saying that Sarah will give birth to a son, while in Genesis ...
1
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0answers
92 views
Why not name a Jew “Lot”? [duplicate]
I never heard of a Jew named Lot. Are there not any? Why not? What did Lot do that disqualifies him?
His righteousness and (exaggerated) hospitality allowed him to be spared the fate of Sodom. ...
3
votes
0answers
50 views
Why does Rashi say Avraham thought the angels were wayfarers?
Rashi on Breishis 18:16
And the men arose from there, and they looked upon Sodom, and Abraham went with them to escort them,
says
to escort them: Heb. לְשַׁלְּחָם, to escort them. He thought ...
0
votes
2answers
133 views
Judging whether a rabbi resembles an angel
THe previous question "How should a rabbi resemble an angel" asked for the qualities a Rabbi should possess in order to be worthy of learning Torah from him. The Gemmarah prescribes that a rabbi must ...
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votes
5answers
233 views
How should a Rabbi resemble an angel?
The Gemmorah in Moed Katan 17 says:
א"ר יוחנן... אם דומה הרב למלאך ה' יבקשו תורה מפיו
ואם לאו אל יבקשו תורה מפיו
Rabbi Yoḥanan said as follows: ... If the teacher is similar to an angel [...
4
votes
2answers
131 views
Who opposes saying the Piyut מכניסי רחמים?
There is a long standing debate surrounding the piyut "מכניסי רחמים" which is said during selichot (words found here). The piyut is addressed to angels and the text aims to elicit the attributes of ...
3
votes
1answer
68 views
Why are the angels enjoined to leave at the end of “Shalom Alechem”? [duplicate]
Shalom Alechem, sung before the Shabbat Eve meal, concludes with:
Tzetchem leshalom -- depart in peace.
Why are the angels specifically enjoined to leave before the meal begins? I have heard that,...
2
votes
2answers
75 views
Meaning of Targum's translation of Seraph - קליא
In Parshas Chukkas, God commands Moses to make a Seraph and put in on a standard:
וַיֹּאמֶר ה' אֶל־מֹשֶׁה עֲשֵׂה לְךָ שָׂרָף וְשִׂים אֹתוֹ עַל־נֵס וְהָיָה כָּל־הַנָּשׁוּךְ וְרָאָה אֹתוֹ וָחָי׃
Then ...
2
votes
1answer
129 views
What is the meaning of “וְדַעַת קְדֹשִׁים בִּינָה”?
The book of Mishlei contains deep wisdom with many layers of meaning which is often hard to grasp. Fortunately, such great commentators as Rashi provide clear explanations of the true meaning. However,...
0
votes
2answers
340 views
Do Angels (Still) Keep the Torah?
Both the pious pre-Talmudic Book of Jubilees1 and the Talmudic Gemara2 agree that Angels kept the Torah in Heaven long before it was finally revealed through Moses to the people of Israel.3 My ...
1
vote
2answers
179 views
Metatron an emanation from G-d?
What did Rabbi Simeon claimed when he said that ‘Metatron is a man in the image of G-d’, ‘an emanation from/of Him’?
Rabbi Simeon ben Jochai commenting on the Zohar:
“There is a perfect Man, who ...
0
votes
3answers
65 views
Do angels make requests of G-d?
Do angels make any requests of G-d besides praising and thanking Him?
5
votes
2answers
173 views
Why was it specifically Gavriel who is Hashem’s messenger to guide events?
Among all of the Malachim, Gavriel seems disproportionately involved in human events:
He was responsible for saving Chananiah, Mishael, and Azariah from the fiery furnace (Berachos 4b, Pesachim 118a-...
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votes
1answer
86 views
Did G-d and angels appeared dressed or naked to Adam in Eden?
First, we know that Adam and Eve were naked in Eden and didn't feel ashamed (Ber 2.25).
"וַיִּהְיוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם עֲרוּמִּים הָאָדָם וְאִשְׁתּוֹ וְלֹא יִתְבֹּשָׁשׁוּ׃
The two of them were naked, ...
