There are many perplexing topics in Judaism and one of them is the role of Satan. Many scholars have been bedeviled by this subject and have had a devil of a time trying to figure it out. It requires careful consideration of each and every complicated facet because the devil is in the details. Of course, one could just refuse to examine this topic but idle hands are the work of the devil.

Portions of secular society arguably have a certain obsession with the devil. You will find the devil featured in movies like “The Devil’s Advocate,” in Broadway shows like “Damned Yankees” and in songs like “Devil With The Blue Dress On.” You also will find the devil in comic books like Daredevil and as mascots on sports teams like the New Jersey Devils. The devil also can be found in food items like deviled eggs, Devil-dogs and devil’s food cake.

But, you will not find the term “devil” used in the Torah, Talmud or other traditional texts, at least not in the classic fiery-red pitchfork fork sense of the word. Instead, you will find Jewish references to a “Satan,” which in Hebrew means an “accuser” or “adversary.” The Tanach refers to a “Satan” in a number of instances. Believe it or not, you can find well over forty (50) references to a “Satan” in the Talmud. Here are a few examples:

1. “Satan has three jobs: he seduces us to sin; he accuses us of our sins before the Heavenly court; and he is the Angel of Death” (Bava Basra 16a)(I really hope those jobs do not offer a pension or health benefits);
2. “The letters of the term the Satan [haSatan] in numerical value is 364, which equals the number of days of the year, except for Yom Kippur, during which he has no power.“ (Nedarim 32b)(Good because for some, Yom Kippur is hard enough as it is);
3. 3. “As a punishment for what he did, the Satan came and danced among them, and brought confusion to his celebration until he killed Vashti” (Megillah 11b)(So, the Satan did the opposite of a 1980’s safety dance?);
4. “This is an arrow in the eye of Satan, as despite his best efforts, the Jewish people continue to joyously fulfill mitzvot” (Succah 38a)(Arrow in the eye? I wonder if the Satan has a good ophthalmologist?);
5. “And do not stand before an ox when it emerges from the marsh because Satan dances between its horns” (Pesachim 112b)(In other words, get out of the way!);
6. “After forty days, Satan came and brought confusion to the world by means of a storm, and it was impossible to ascertain the time.” (Shabbat 89a)(Yes, this was well before smartphones); and
7. “Challenging Satan might worsen the health of a sick person rather than improve it.” (Eruvin 26a)(Of course, if you are sick, then any challenge might worsen your health).

Putting aside deep discussions regarding the meaning and symbolism of the Satan as referenced in the Talmud, it is clear that the Talmud views Satan as a relatively negative force or influence in the world. The Satan tends to cause confusion, disruption and dissension, the hallmarks of a true troublemaker. In contrast, wouldn’t it be nice to have the exact opposite of the Satan, someone who doles out sound advice, promotes peace and encourages unity? Let’s imagine the types of wonderful deeds such a do-gooder, a/k/a, Super Mensch, would do to make the world a better place, like helping:

1. busy shoppers on Friday morning decide whether to purchase the potato, sweet noodle, salt & pepper or Yerushalmi kugel (The answer: Buy a little bit of each and serve your family the leftovers all week long);
2. a stingy person who is buying flowers for a spouse and trying to choose among the small, medium or large bouquet (Go with the large; when it comes to flowers, less is not more);
3. a spouse deciding whether to add more meat to the cholent (Is that really a serious question?);
4. a restless child fall asleep by singing a lullaby (“Rock-a-bye Cholent, in the Crock-Pot. When the bowl fills, my hunger will stop…”);
5. a financially-struggling synagogue create innovative and exciting fundraising campaigns (“If you give $100,000 or more, we will give you naming rights on the Rabbi’s tallis, kippah and first-born child”); and
6. lonely nursing home residents find fun ways to pass the time (“Are you guys ready for another round of bobbing for schnitzel? Or would you rather play another round of prune juice bingo?).

Final thought: If you hastily and recklessly present your opinion about the whole Satan thing, you might be accused of having a devil may care attitude.

By Jon Kranz