Angels, Demons and all the Hosts

ANGELOLOGY
M. M. NINAN
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as man grows into maturehood. It is often called the "Yoke of the Torah". Traditionally Jewish
tradition places the onus of responsibility at the time of bar-mitzvah, i.e., when one assumes
the onset of the age of reflection and reason (cf. Eccles. R., 4:13, 1).
The Role of the Yetzer HaRa:
Since Man is a creature, Yetzer Hara is a necessary part of the creation. As a creation the
creature is limited and is bound. These boundaries overlaps with other creatures and as well
as things. Discovering the extension limits is part of the existence and realization of the purpose
and meaning of existence. Thus Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (the Ramchal) in his work
"The Way of God" describes the role of the Yetzer Hara as man's quest for perfection. This
perfection is bounded because of the presence of the rest of the cosmos. Finding these
boundaries is essential for the perfect working of the individuals and to the cosmos. W need
yetzer hara, because our struggle to overcome it characterizes free will fulfillment of life purpose.
"If not for the evil impulse," says the midrash, "no one would build a house, marry,
have children, nor engage in trade." Far from a demonic force that needs to be destroyed,
yetzer hara represents creativity, ambition and will. It was created by God and what God
created are all “Good”. It becomes sin only when it breaks boundaries and destroys the freedom
and existence of others. It becomes evil when it encroaches on others and takes on the
prerogatives of others.
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