Ascending Jacob's ladder

In Ascending Jacob's Ladder: Jewish Views of Angels, Demons, and Evil Spirits, Rabbi Ronald H. Isaacs introduces readers to the fascinating Jewish world of angels, from earliest times to the modern period. Featuring passages and quotations from the Torah, Talmud, chasidic and kabbalistic wisdom, and other sources, this unique volume explores the purpose and characteristics of angels as they appear in Jewish tradition. Rabbi Isaacs begins with an examination of angels in the Bible, including the angel with whom Jacob wrestled, Joshua's Angel, and Michael and Gabriel. He also looks at the rabbinic opinions of angels as they are expounded in the Talmud and Midrash and the place of angels in Jewish liturgy. The Jewish view of Satan - which greatly differs from the "devil" image that pervades Western culture, fallen angels, demons, the Angel of Death, spirits, and evil forces, are also explained. A handy "Who's Who" directory provides a quick reference to the most well-known and often quoted angels and demons in Jewish tradition.