Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 19:14:09 -0400 (EDT)
From: Russell Hendel <  rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu>
Subject: Re: Angels

QUESTIONS: Do Angels really exist?
<  <  ...I think that the whole "angel" concept is an allegory.  We each
(obviously) have inborn desires to do good and bad.  It is sometimes easier
to personify them when having discussions.  G-d and our souls do not need
prosecutors and defenders.  Our records will "speak for themselves".
Sometimes G-d may choose to throw a stumbling block in our way, we may call
that an act of the satan (as in Job), but we should also be sophisticated
enough to realize that we are speaking figuratively, not literally...>  >

ANSWER:
Judaism **does** officially believe in Angels. Angels are non physical
beings that appear to prophets in prophetic visions. Some very good
examples are presented in the Book of Daniel (eg chap 8 eg verses 1,15-17)
So if we were prophets we could prophetically see the angels corresponding
to our souls. If we are not prophets, our souls still have angelic status
but we cannot communicate with them.

The popular idea of a celestial court with defenders and accusers is more
than popular--it is explicitly stated in Job Chapter 1:6-12 as well as in
1King22:19-23.

The idea of a heavenly court is not just found in scripture--it is also
morally and logically correct. The idea indicates that we are not judged by
G-d's favoritism or antagonism towards us---we are judged by a judicial
process which is fair and moral.

Hope this helps

Russell Jay Hendel; Phd ASA; RHendel@Towson.Edu
Moderator Rashi is Simple, http://www.shamash.org/rashi/