I recall one Passover, as beams of light were passing overhead, my childhood imagination convinced me that I was witnessing angels escorting the prophet Elijah through the portals of heaven. In high school as I assisted an elderly woman once, she called me an angel. As a driver I often listen to people's accounts of the paranormal on coast-to-coast AM, broadcast from the City of Angels. As a Rabbi I am often asked about the Jewish perspective on angels. And as Jews, we know that our prayers are projected to G-d by angels. In fact the Talmud suggests that when seeking a mentor, one that resembles an “angel of the lord of hosts” should be chosen.
Angels for the Day
Yom Kippur always gets the better of me. As angelic children, we were taught that on the Holy Day, we resemble angels. Praying for haven from the accuser, we reflect heavenly beings. There is no consumption of food. The penitent is consumed by the awesomeness of the day, not merely as a form of abstention, but because angels do not eat. Physical indulgence is prohibited. Instead, we indulge in divine practice.
I recall one Passover, as beams of light were passing overhead, my childhood imagination convinced me that I was witnessing angels escorting the prophet Elijah through the portals of heaven. In high school as I assisted an elderly woman once, she called me an angel. As a driver I often listen to people’s accounts of the paranormal on coast-to-coast AM, broadcast from the City of Angels. As a Rabbi I am often asked about the Jewish perspective on angels. And as Jews, we know that our prayers are projected to G-d by angels. In fact the Talmud suggests that when seeking a mentor, one that resembles an “angel of the lord of hosts” should be chosen.
But what are angels?
The emphasis on these celestial beings and our adaptation of their standards is inspiring. We are empowered to soar into extraterrestrial existence, and through proper meditation we may import their traits into our terrestrial surroundings. As we transcend human existence, we may learn to rise above inhuman nature.
Maimonides describes the angels as lacking of jealousy and rivalry. Envy causes tragedy. There is hardly a more destructive force. The Author of Life forbids coveting in the Ten Commandments, just as He prohibits murder.
The most beautiful people are made ugly by their unwillingness to be happy for others. The most talented of men will turn sly in light of another’s skill. Friends harbor unfriendly thoughts as their fellow prospers. It is disgusting, but sadly human. I am not content with such emotions and somewhat paradoxically hold the bearers in contempt. I was raised to take pride in another’s rising: to enjoy my friend’s joy; to wish the prosperous even more than they have; to treat another’s accomplishment as I would my own.
May you be inscribed and sealed for a sweet new year, and wish the same for your fellow.
wtth?
very well written, and moving , yet who cares how u were raised?
Emet
so so true. Sad world we live in
yeah right
simple words, that’s a good one.
U-TURN
I hate how people just turn inside when soneone else is happy. Good article. You really know how to pick em
Its RABBI
Why dont u guys put Rabbi before his name? He is a Rabbi…just because hes a bochur?
He is smarter and more relavent than allot of Rabbanim
John
“I am not content with such emotions and somewhat paradoxically hold the bearers in contempt”
Who are you to judge those who you think may harbor envy and jealousy?
Is “contempt” (disrespect, intense dislike) the correct response to jealousy? Where in Torah do you see any positive mention of “contempt”?
The angels lack of envy and jealousy is only one of their positive qualities that are worth emulating. Another is their lack of hate.
Jelousy is encoraged re Torah & Mitsvos
The exception of when we are supposed to be jelous is when anouther is doing more torah and mitsvos. So Lets Get Jelous!
Simply put
Jewish thought in simple words is getzys series name. Its the title to his emails.
Its true, BH he brings high conceps and delivers them in few words.
Like in Shiduchim
It is absolutely horrible how people don’t let others live. Why is it that my “friends” become white or red when something good happens to me.
When a Shiduch came up for me my “friend” ruined it with her reference because she probably couldn’t deal with me getting engaged first.
How sick?
be
I disagree with this article.don’t we say baruch shaim low, because we don’t want angels to get jealous?
go reb Getz
I wholeheartedly agree. And I also hold them in “contempt.” The Frierdiker Rebbe himself said about Maskilim “ich Hob zei feint”
It is sick, jelousy. It shreds people alive
to John
Hey Jhonny.Johnny, Johnny,U seem like the type of guy discussed in this dvar torah.
All you do is trouble!