In this Shavuot &#8220;bonus&#8221; episode, we will discuss the special status of the Torah for fighting sin, in both Second Temple literature and later Talmudic texts. (<a href="https://understandingsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Torah-versus-Sin-in-Second-Temple-and-Talmudic-Thought.pdf">Download the source sheet here.</a>)
We will look at:
<ul>
<li>Dead Sea Scroll prayers that reflect the belief in the metaphysical power of the Torah to fight demonic influence</li>
<li>Wisdom literature (like Ben Sira) that see the law as crucial in fighting the inclination to sin</li>
<li>The hero of 4 Ezra&#8217;s problem with the idea that the Torah is enough to combat the evil inclination</li>
<li>Finally, we will look at how these ideas play out in the Talmud.</li>
</ul>
As always, I look forward to your questions and comments!
Chag Sameach!
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The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2016/06/shavuot-episode-torah-versus-sin-second-temple-talmudic-thought/">#12: Shavuot Episode! Torah versus Sin in Second Temple &#038; Talmudic Thought</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

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