As we go into the season of our inner contemplation and introspection, we will be reading prayers that ask for the Divine to Save us please! and redeem us now. Judaism is not constructed around any drama of redemption. There is no term in the Hebrew language for salvation in a sacramental, redemptive sense. In Judaism the soul of mankind requires no liberation, because the soul of mankind is not enchained. The idea that man needs to be saved either from the toils of life or from some Original Sin or from the prison house of matter or from baleful astrological influences is not a part of Judaism, as I know it. The Hebrew Bible knows no such concept as redemption from sin. The term GA-OL (גאל), when used in Biblical sources refers to redemption from slavery, from an enemy, from imminent danger or death or exile. It also has legal implications. But in no instance does it refer to redemption from sin. This is also true of the words PA-DOH (פדה) and HOSHE-A (השיע), which mean help and deliverance from trouble, affliction or danger. Savior and Redeemer in a Christological sense are not to be found in the Hebrew Bible.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 20:21:20 +0000
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