The Shaliach: Agency and Representation in Jewish Tradition
Can someone speak, act, forgive, heal, or even claim unity with G_D without collapsing the boundary between the human and Divine? Is there a precedent in the Torah that helps us understand this idea?
For centuries, the central claim of Christian theology—that a man could forgive sins, heal the sick, and act with Divine authority—has sparked confusion and controversy, especially for those steeped in the Torah's insistence on G_D's oneness and transcendence.
Can someone speak, act, forgive, heal, or even claim unity with G_D without collapsing the boundary between the human and Divine?
And while there are many angles to approach this topic, in this article, we'll explore an ancient concept that is still relevant and applicable today in Jewish law, which I believe sheds some light.
This focus will allow us to understand how some first-century Jews, familiar with the concept of agency, might have perceived Jesus's role within the legal—and mystical—framework.
