Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar
Salvation is closely related to the idea of redemption – a saving from the state or circumstance that destroys the value of human existence. God, as the universal spirit and Creator of the universe, is the source of all salvation for humankind, provided we honour Him by observing His precepts. In other words, redemption or salvation depends on the individual. According to Judaism, salvation cannot be obtained through anyone else, or in believing in any outside power.
When faced with danger, evil and suffering, Jewish Prophets advised people to walk in the way of righteousness, to help the poor and needy and to repent for their sins and waywardness.
There is a figurative passage in the ‘Book of the Prophet Zechariah’ in which Joshua, the High Priest, is standing before the Angel of the Lord, with Satan, the evil influence standing at his right hand to accuse him. Now, Joshua was clothed in filthy garments, symbolizing the iniquities of people who hamper the completeness of redemption. The Lord enjoined that the filthy garments should be taken off the High Priest, and not only should he be clothed with clean robes, but a crown should be placed upon his head. In other words, what was symbolized was the removal of people’s sin and resultant forgiveness that entitled them to redemption and a life of general felicity and security.
Salvation would also connote a society free of oppression, fear, hatred and threat of war, in a state of peace when people would live together in harmony and friendship. As the Psalmist puts it, “Behold, how good and how lovely it is when brethren dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133).
What could be a nobler concept of salvation for humankind than the wonderful words of Prophet Isaiah, “And He shall judge among the nations and shall rebuke many people and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more”.
This brings to mind the idea of the Messiah; as developed over centuries. The Jewish concept of Messiah visualises the return of Prophet Elijah as the harbinger who will redeem the world from war and suffering, leading humankind to universal brotherhood. The Messiah is not considered as a future divine or supernatural being, but as a powerful human influence in an age of universal peace, characterised by the spiritual regeneration of humanity.
In Judaism, salvation is open to all people and not limited to those of the Jewish faith; the only important consideration being that the people must observe and practice ethical patterns of behaviour, as summarised in the Ten Commandments. When Jews refer to themselves as the chosen people of God, they do not imply they have been chosen for special favours and privileges, but rather, that they have taken it upon themselves to show to all peoples by precept and example, the ethical way of life.
Salvation from death means that death is not the real end of life; the soul lives on and returns to the Creator who made it. In the end, on the final day of Judgment, there will be a resurrection and life will be restored to all righteous souls; but it is not within man’s intellectual capacity to conceive of how exactly or when the resurrection will take place.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in the Article above are Author’s personal views and kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."
Courtesy: Times of India: The Speaking Tree: 19th Feb, 2019
Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar
Salvation is closely related to the idea of redemption – a saving from the state or circumstance that destroys the value of human existence. God, as the universal spirit and Creator of the universe, is the source of all salvation for humankind, provided we honour Him by observing His precepts. In other words, redemption or salvation depends on the individual. According to Judaism, salvation cannot be obtained through anyone else, or in believing in any outside power.
When faced with danger, evil and suffering, Jewish Prophets advised people to walk in the way of righteousness, to help the poor and needy and to repent for their sins and waywardness.
There is a figurative passage in the ‘Book of the Prophet Zechariah’ in which Joshua, the High Priest, is standing before the Angel of the Lord, with Satan, the evil influence standing at his right hand to accuse him. Now, Joshua was clothed in filthy garments, symbolizing the iniquities of people who hamper the completeness of redemption. The Lord enjoined that the filthy garments should be taken off the High Priest, and not only should he be clothed with clean robes, but a crown should be placed upon his head. In other words, what was symbolized was the removal of people’s sin and resultant forgiveness that entitled them to redemption and a life of general felicity and security.
Salvation would also connote a society free of oppression, fear, hatred and threat of war, in a state of peace when people would live together in harmony and friendship. As the Psalmist puts it, “Behold, how good and how lovely it is when brethren dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133).
What could be a nobler concept of salvation for humankind than the wonderful words of Prophet Isaiah, “And He shall judge among the nations and shall rebuke many people and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more”.
This brings to mind the idea of the Messiah; as developed over centuries. The Jewish concept of Messiah visualises the return of Prophet Elijah as the harbinger who will redeem the world from war and suffering, leading humankind to universal brotherhood. The Messiah is not considered as a future divine or supernatural being, but as a powerful human influence in an age of universal peace, characterised by the spiritual regeneration of humanity.
In Judaism, salvation is open to all people and not limited to those of the Jewish faith; the only important consideration being that the people must observe and practice ethical patterns of behaviour, as summarised in the Ten Commandments. When Jews refer to themselves as the chosen people of God, they do not imply they have been chosen for special favours and privileges, but rather, that they have taken it upon themselves to show to all peoples by precept and example, the ethical way of life.
Salvation from death means that death is not the real end of life; the soul lives on and returns to the Creator who made it. In the end, on the final day of Judgment, there will be a resurrection and life will be restored to all righteous souls; but it is not within man’s intellectual capacity to conceive of how exactly or when the resurrection will take place.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in the Article above are Author’s personal views and kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."
Courtesy: Times of India: The Speaking Tree: 19th Feb, 2019