naphtalia's Full Review: Ronald H. Isaacs - Ascending Jacob's Ladder: Jewis...
Jacob, on his way to the town of Haran, laid his head on a stone by the side of the road and say a ladder leading up to heaven. (Genesis 28:12) The hosts of heaven went up and down from Earth to Heaven and back again. The concept of a specific locale wherein this world and the world above come together exists in most religious traditions. Jacob, sensing that he was in such a place, named the location "Bethel" or House of G-d.
Most Jewish teachers don't talk about angels or demons. Angels, hwoever, are often mentioned in the Tanach (Holy Scriptures, Old Testament). Abraham entertained angels; Lot was saved by angels; Jacob saw angels, and the reader hasn't gotten beyond the first book of the Torah (five books of Moses.)
Rabbi Isaacs, who wrote this book along with many others, does a superb job of bringing the topic to light. He provides a listing of the names of angels and demons along with the meanings of those names.
From classic art to modern-day television programs, angels are represented in many ways and in many forms. Although angels have permeated Jewish tradition since biblical times, they remain a mystery to most people, often thought of as distinctly un-Jewish icons. In Ascending Jacob's Ladder: Jewish Views of Angels, Demons, and Evil Spirits, Rabbi Ronald H. Isaacs presents a glimpse into the Jewish ideology of angels.
Isaacs highlights not only Biblical references, but also those from the Kabbalah, the Talmud and the writings of Chassidic sages. He provides the reader with an understanding of the purpose and characteristic of angels in traditional lore. He begins with angels in the Torah, including the angel with whom Jacob wrestled. Other Biblical angels discussed include Joshua's angel, Michael and Gabriel.
More fascinating than the view of angels which others seem willing to discuss is the Isaac's open handling of the identity of Satan (which is not at all similar to the "devil" who exists in Christian culture. He also talks about fallen angels, demons, the Angel of Death, spirits and evil forces.
More and more people today are finding their roots and discovering a passion for all things spiritual. This books gives insight to the traditional views of angels, of messengers of G-d in Jewish thought. This book will provide a stepping stone for readers who wish to begin their own exploration of who shares the spiritual world with us.
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