Ask The Rabbi!!

05-26-2009, 02:07 PM

Okay, another question: (and thanks again in advance!!)

If Judaism doesn't embrace an "afterlife", how is Samuel's appearance during the seance between King Saul and the witch at Endor explained? Samuel seemed really unhappy that he was "disturbed". If he was disturbed (and unhappy about it), wouldn't it indicate that he was *aware* that he was dead? Since awareness of death would seem to indicate more than just "ceasing to exist", I'm curious as to how this is resolved.

Thanks!!

Starscream · 05-26-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyCigars

Okay, another question: (and thanks again in advance!!)

If Judaism doesn't embrace an "afterlife", how is Samuel's appearance during the seance between King Saul and the witch at Endor explained? Samuel seemed really unhappy that he was "disturbed". If he was disturbed (and unhappy about it), wouldn't it indicate that he was *aware* that he was dead? Since awareness of death would seem to indicate more than just "ceasing to exist", I'm curious as to how this is resolved.

Thanks!!

This question interests me.

Speaking of the witch of Endor, was she the reason for all those daggum Ewoks that ruined Return of the Jedi?

TomHagen · 05-26-2009, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andysutherland

This question interests me.

Speaking of the witch of Endor, was she the reason for all those daggum Ewoks that ruined Return of the Jedi?

that was the MOON of endor...

oy, those Ewoks, look like big Shittzus...

TomHagen · 05-26-2009, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyCigars

Okay, another question: (and thanks again in advance!!)

If Judaism doesn't embrace an "afterlife", how is Samuel's appearance during the seance between King Saul and the witch at Endor explained? Samuel seemed really unhappy that he was "disturbed". If he was disturbed (and unhappy about it), wouldn't it indicate that he was *aware* that he was dead? Since awareness of death would seem to indicate more than just "ceasing to exist", I'm curious as to how this is resolved.

Thanks!!

We DO embrace an afterlife for the soul. Torah and especially mystical Judaism describes this at length and in detail.

05-26-2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomHagen

We DO embrace an afterlife for the soul. Torah and especially mystical Judaism describes this at length and in detail.

Ahh thanks for clarifying! I must have been confused - about 6 months back, I was having a casual (almost joking) discussion about the afterlife, heaven, etc. with my 2 Jewish friends and they both told me that they just "cease to exist". Odd.

Thanks again!

ActionAndy · 05-27-2009, 08:12 AM

Hello again Rabbi,

So this reincarnation thing has always had me curious. Do your texts give specifics on how this would work? I'm wondering if I die, my soul comes out and has a period of enlightenment (where it would remember all of its lives, not just this one) and then goes back to a body...or if I just die, have my memory wiped, and shoved into a new body. The second option seems pretty lame, considering I wouldn't even be aware of it (and then is it even me?)

TomHagen · 05-27-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ActionAndy

Hello again Rabbi,

So this reincarnation thing has always had me curious. Do your texts give specifics on how this would work? I'm wondering if I die, my soul comes out and has a period of enlightenment (where it would remember all of its lives, not just this one) and then goes back to a body...or if I just die, have my memory wiped, and shoved into a new body. The second option seems pretty lame, considering I wouldn't even be aware of it (and then is it even me?)

this topic deserves a tremndously long answer, some of which I will write up and post IY''H

ActionAndy · 05-27-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomHagen

this topic deserves a tremndously long answer, some of which I will write up and post IY''H

Thanks, take your time

RGD. · 05-29-2009, 12:27 AM

After reading every single post - I must say that I have found this thread to be both entertaining and informative at the same time.

So . . . I have a few questions I have not seen answered:

01. How long have you been a Rabbi?

02. Was there some defining moment or event in your life that led you to becoming a Rabbi.

03. I love your wit and humor . . . was being a stand up comedian ever an option?

Ron

05-26-2009, 02:07 PM	#1
BillyCigars Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Ask The Rabbi!! Okay, another question: (and thanks again in advance!!) If Judaism doesn't embrace an "afterlife", how is Samuel's appearance during the seance between King Saul and the witch at Endor explained? Samuel seemed really unhappy that he was "disturbed". If he was disturbed (and unhappy about it), wouldn't it indicate that he was aware that he was dead? Since awareness of death would seem to indicate more than just "ceasing to exist", I'm curious as to how this is resolved. Thanks!!

05-27-2009, 08:12 AM	#6
ActionAndy Dayman, Master of Karate Join Date: Dec 2008 First Name: Andy Location: Saratoga Springs, NY Posts: 671 Trading: (7)	Re: Ask The Rabbi!! Hello again Rabbi, So this reincarnation thing has always had me curious. Do your texts give specifics on how this would work? I'm wondering if I die, my soul comes out and has a period of enlightenment (where it would remember all of its lives, not just this one) and then goes back to a body...or if I just die, have my memory wiped, and shoved into a new body. The second option seems pretty lame, considering I wouldn't even be aware of it (and then is it even me?)

05-29-2009, 12:27 AM	#9
RGD. God Like Status Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ron Location: Alexandria, Virginia Posts: 971 Trading: (1)	Re: Ask The Rabbi!! After reading every single post - I must say that I have found this thread to be both entertaining and informative at the same time. So . . . I have a few questions I have not seen answered: 01. How long have you been a Rabbi? 02. Was there some defining moment or event in your life that led you to becoming a Rabbi. 03. I love your wit and humor . . . was being a stand up comedian ever an option? Ron