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Hi,
I am a Philosophy student and a Christian, but I am very interested in Judaism as well as Christianity. I was wondering what you could tell me about Jewish beliefs about Satan. I have found much conflicting information on the web, and was wondering if, in addition to your own answer you could recomend some readings on the subject. I find it interesting that Jesus himself was Jewish, but seemed to have differing beliefs about Satan. Is there a reason he diverged from the mainstream on this subject? Thanks.
Dear Tom,
Thanks for writing.
First of all, Jewish use of the term Satan is far from the Christian use. At most,
A solid summary can be found at jewishencyclopedia.com under the entry "Satan."
Secondly, consider also the Encyclopedia Judaica in the library.
Concerning what may have been a divergence from the opinions of Judaism, Jesus did reflect common notions in a Jewish community that had a variety of Jewish Philosophies and agendas.
Lastly regarding Christianity and Judaism, please read through a brief but thorough review by Dr. trude Weiss Rosmarin, "Judaism and Christianity: The Differences."
Best wishes
Rabbi Dov
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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Expertise
Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience
I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
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