Tag Archives: Demons

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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Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them in the Torah, Part 2

In Part 2, we explore the origins, symbolism and significance of the phoenix, mermaids, and other hybrids like centaurs, satyrs, and werewolves, as well as vampires and golems. Also, an in-depth exploration of witchcraft and wizardry, the qualifications for being elected to the ancient Sanhedrin, and what does Frankenstein’s monster have to do with the Golem of Prague?

Judaism vs. Zoroastrianism

Did ancient Zoroastrianism inspire Judaism, or vice versa? What are the similarities and differences between the two great faiths? And what does it all have to do with the current war in Iran and the Straits of Hormuz, named after the god of the Zoroastrians? Find out in this eye-opening class, in which we also explore the origins of the two chief demons in the universe, the true nature of hell, and parallels between Abraham and Zarathustra.