Tag Archives: Azazel

Do Angels Have Free Will?

‘Abraham and the Three Angels’ by James Tissot

This week’s parasha, Vayera, begins with Abraham’s famous encounter with three angels (Genesis 18). Abraham gives them water to wash their feet and proceeds to feed them a multi-course meal. There brings up a classic question: did the angels actually eat? Are angels not entirely spiritual beings? How could they have their feet washed, and physically consume Abraham’s food? Are angels biological beings, or not? And, relatedly, do angels have any kind of free will, or are they simply “robotic” agents of God?

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Jesus in the Talmud

What does the Talmud actually say about Jesus? Is it true that he is described as boiling in excrement in hell? How did the ancient Jewish Sages view Jesus and his origins? Discover the surprising truth in this eye-opening class.

*This class was delivered in July of 2026 at the Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, at a yearly event started by Rev. George Balasko to promote interfaith dialogue and help Christians learn more about Jews. Past speakers have included Rabbi Benjamin Blech and Professor Lawrence H. Schiffman. For my talk at this event last year, on Noahide Laws, see here.

Giants & Canaanites

Did giants once roam the Earth? Where did they come from, and what do they have to do with the Canaanite nations? How did the Canaanites settle the Holy Land? Who were the great giant kings Og and Sihon, and was Goliath actually King David’s cousin? Find out in this eye-opening class where we also explore mysteries surrounding the Great Flood and the family of Noah, fallen angels and Enoch, Nimrod and Hammurabi, Mashiach, and lots more.