Questions regarding our understanding of God, such as it is. NOT for every question about Jewish beliefs.
For general questions about Jewish philosophy and beliefs, use hashkafah-philosophy.
Questions tagged [theology]
528 questions
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Sources for Hashem being corporeal/incorporeal?
I heard of a discussion over Peseach about whether Hashem is corporeal.
Which classical Jewish sources (Talmud/Achronim/Rishonim) offer definitive opinions about this? (Please cite references!)
I am aware that the Rambam held non-corporeal but I…
Bas613
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Does God need us?
Does God need us?
In Nitzavim, God says:
This commandment [in the singular], that I command you today, is not hidden from you and is not distant. [Deut. 30:11]
The Midrash explains:
What [single] “commandment” [does the Torah refer to]? The…
Maurice Mizrahi
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7
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Why does God care about our service?
The Rambam in yesode hatorah says that God has no emotions.
He does not change, he does not get angry nor have joy. Everything you see in tanach is just so that we can understand.
The commentary there says: "he does not get angry if you transgress…
ray
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what does it mean that God is infinite?
have read in a few places such as in the book Shaarei Kedusha that God is "infinite" (Ein Sof) (without end). What does this mean? Typically we think of something infinite as being immeasurable or mathematically as the limit of a function as some…
ray
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What does Hashem see right now?
I know Hashem looks down at us and watches everything we do. The question I am trying to ask is, what does he see right now? I don't think Hashem exists in time, as he is not in the past or the future. So right now, does he see Avraham doing what he…
Carrot monster
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How can G-d without form produce sound (voice)?
How can a G-d without form produce sound (voice)? For instance, G-d spoke at Mount Sinai to millions of Jews.
Turk Hill
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Shaar Yichud - Unity of God
According my understanding of the Shaar Yichud of Chovot Halevavot, an Eternal being must be infinite and everywhere since whatever is finite is necessarily bounded and whatever is bounded is preceded by the framework which set its boundaries, hence…
ray
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Having a mystical or "religious experience"
This isn't really a question, more of an observation, but I don't think I've ever had a genuine "religious experience" where I have some kind of direct experience or connection with Hashem or the divine. I've been religiously observant (Orthodox) my…
Menachem
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Did God acquire His good qualities?
Did God acquire or improve His good "qualities" (ex. wisdom, kindness, righteousness) or were they always a part of Him?
(we can see for example, that God possesses the characteristics of wisdom and also power, as evidenced by His works such as the…
ray
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Ancient Texts Claiming that G-d is Perfect
I am looking for a list of sources (early Rishonim and before) explicitly claiming that G-d is perfect.
One place I found is Devarim 32:4 "The deeds of the [Mighty] Rock are perfect, for all His ways are just; a faithful God, without injustice He is…
gt6989b
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How do you know Judaism is true?
there are many religions out there, each with its own framework of beliefs/premises about God (or something else.)
How do you know the Jewish perspective is the correct one?
michael
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Significance of man relative to God
God is totally infinite in space/time and beyond, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-everything.
Compared to God, man, the universe, and everything in it - everything is completely insignificant.
If so, why does God deem man significant enough to…
ray
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2
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Infinite Chain of Cause/Effects
In the Shaar Yichud of Chovos Halevavos, one of the premises for proving that God exists is that there cannot be an infinite chain of cause/effect hence there must be one Cause which had no previous cause (i.e. God)
Does anyone know the logic behind…
ray
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Elohim distinct from YHWH Elohim
In Genesis 1 it is Elohim who created. In Genesis 2 from verse 4 we see that YHWH Elohim created Adam and the animals etc. From here onwards God is referred to as YHWH Elohim. Then we read of the heavenly council as sons of Elohim. Is there a…
Lisa Cremer
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Finding Meaning in the fulfilment of Mitzvos and Torah
How do we find meaning in the Torah and Judaism?
I understand some will respond that Hashem created us, so therefore that's all the reason we need to fulfil His mitzvos but, is there any meaning in it beyond "'cos He said so"?
Binyamin
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