Who are the Main Major Deities in Judaism?
Judaism is an ancient monotheistic religion that traces its origin back to ancient Israel in the Middle East. This religious tradition believes in the one and only God as described in the Bible, who is the source of all guidance and spiritual power in Jewish life. While there may not be a pantheon of deities in Judaism, there are many figures in the Bible that are venerated as powerful, spiritual beings. Here we explore who these figures are and why they occupy such an esteemed place in Judaism.
The Shema: The Unity of God
At the heart of Judaism is the belief in the oneness of God. This central belief is succinctly expressed in the Shema prayer, which is found in the Torah and traditionally repeated both morning and night by Jewish people across the world. The Shema declares: ‘’Hear O Israel, The Lord our God, the Lord is One’’. It is from this basic tenet that all of Jewish theology arises, and this prayer is a powerful juxtaposition of both monotheism and unity. It is a reminder to adherents of Judaism that all things come from God and the ultimate source of all power and presence is the One True God.
The angels: Enforcers and Bearers of G-d’s Will
In Judaism, angels are the intermediaries between God the Creator and humankind. They take orders from the Heavenly Court, to do God’s will, relay divine messages and protect and guide humans. Angels appear often in the Bible, particularly in the prophetic books. They are typically portrayed as messengers from God and witnesses to his power, as well as protectors of his people. Additionally, angels are said to have their own “language of prayer” spoken directly to God. That language is a form of communication that allows angels to commune directly with their creator in a manner that humans cannot.
The Patriarchs and Matriarchs: Ancestors of the Jewish People
The patriarchs and matriarchs are the ancestral figures of Judaism, the founders of the Jewish nation. Traditionally, they are Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Leah. They are described in the Bible as the forerunners of the Jewish people, through whom our covenant with God was made. Jews trace their lineage back to these original four couples, both symbolically and literally through their genealogy. In Jewish tradition, these figures are held up as perfect models, representing decency and righteousness, whose moral example all Jews should emulate.
The Mashiach: The Future King of the Jews
The Mashiach is the messiah figure of Judaism, the one hoped-for savior who will come to deliver the people during a time of great struggle. The term ‘Mashiach’ itself means ‘anointed one’, and according to Jewish belief, the messiah will usher in a utopic age of peace, prosperity and justice. He will be a great leader, beloved of the Jewish people and will bring about a spiritual revolution in the world. He is seen as the inheritor of the prophetic tradition of Judaism and through his actions, will bring about the redemption of Israel and the world.
Elijah the Prophet: The Firebrand of Judaism
Elijah the Prophet is a famous figure in the Old Testament, known both for his fiery temper and his divinely inspired prophecies. He is traditionally depicted as a fiery man, often with a sword in hand, inspiring the people of Israel to action and faith in God. He is well-known for his famous showdown with the priests of Baal at Mt Carmel, where God sent down fire to prove the power of His message. Elijah is viewed as a powerful spiritual figure, the protector of the faith and the archetype of Judaism.
The Zaddikim: Just and Compassionate Intercessors of God
The Zaddikim are a special class of Jewish spiritual leaders, venerated for their deep devotion to God and their commitment to upholding the religious law. These are the individuals Jews turn to in times of need and deep sorrow, as they are believed to be the intermediaries between human and divine. They are considered to have a special closeness to God, and are believed to have extraordinary prophetic powers and wisdom. They are held in the highest regard in Jewish communities, and Jews of all classes and backgrounds will often flock to their monuments and tombs in order to seek refuge and search for solutions.
Rabbi Akiva: TheFather of Jewish Scholarship
Rabbi Akiva is one of the most prominent figures in Judaism and is venerated by most of the mainstream denominations. It was he who systematised much of the Jewish law, according to the teachings of the Torah, and thus helped to ensure that Judaism survived through the generations that followed him. His greatest contribution, however, is the famous motto of Judaism which he taught: “Love your neighbor as yourself”. This phrase encapsulates the essence of Jewish ethics and has become the cornerstone of modern Jewish life.
The Main Takeaways
All of these figures represent different aspects of Judaism, from the oneness of God, to the fire and passion of the Zaddikim, to the wise and gentle counsel of Rabbi Akiva. They serve as the basis for the Jewish faith, believed and cherished by all who call themselves Jews. All of these figures come together to form a complex and intertwined web, representing the totality of the Jewish faith. They are all revered for their distinct but indivisible roles in Judaism, and serve as reminders of the tradition and history of this ancient faith.
