Aliens

[Golem]

B"H

What does Judiasm hold on "Are we alone in this Universe" and why?

[RebYid]

Some of us are wondering if we are alone on this earth!

[Golem]

Questions you get on Mivtsoyim!!!!

[RebYid]

See the book Challenge (Carmel & Domb eds) page 354, article by R N. Lamm.

[Golem]

where can ig et a hold of it?

[RebYid]

Try any frum library.

[Torah613]

I seem to recall a letter of the Rebbe (in English?) on this topic.

[masbir]

I think the Rebbe writes that life out there, is possible, but not intelegent life.

I recall R' Aaron Solovetchik was asked in some Jewish journal about this, and replied with a source that there is perhaps life out there. (IRCC, he was quoting from Reb Yehude Bartzolni commentery on sefer Yetziro)

[Bittul]

The Rebbe's opinion was brought above.

In addition, there are some Medrashim on this. Look at the beginning of Meam Loez.

[lambda]

Aryeh Kaplan has an interesting article on it, that is in The Aryeh Kaplan reader. If you search for "Aryeh Kaplan extraterrestrial life" on Google, you will find it on different sites, but since most are questionable at best, I'll let you find it yourself rather than link it.

[hishtatchus]

I think Professor Green (?) once asked the Rebbe if there is life outside of earth, and the Rebbe's response was something to the effect of "Whether or not there actually is, is not for me to answer. That Hashem CAN have such a thing, there is no question. So continue looking!"

[Jude]

<<I think the Rebbe writes that life out there, is possible>>

the Rebbe bases this on Shoftim 5:23 where it says that the star Meiroz is inhabited.

[mendelp]

Originally posted by Jude
<<I think the Rebbe writes that life out there, is possible>>

the Rebbe bases this on Shoftim 5:23 where it says that the star Meiroz is inhabited.
a/c to one p'shat in the gmara meiroz refers to a star.

[zelda]

Originally posted by Jude
(cannot pm this) it is not necessary to copy posts we've all just read
If you hit the quote button you get to use the auto code stuff and the smileys, as opposed to when just putting it in the box. You can also hit the reply button with the same result, but it is about a half an inch lower on the page. :cool:

[Yankel Nosson]

LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS?
MAYBE YES, SAYS THE BIBLE

By Simon Jacobson

The current news raging about the strong possibility of life on Mars has provoked discussion in all circles. The religious implications of the prospect of extraterrestrial life are particularly interesting.

But while we ponder this phenomenon and its many ramifications, there arises an intriguing question: Are there any references in ancient wisdoms and sacred texts to life on other planets? Perhaps more importantly: Is the search for extraterrestrial life just an exercise in curiosity, or is it important to our lives as human beings on this Earth?

It may seem surprising, but on one rare occasion the Grand Rebbe of Lubavitch, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a foremost religious authority and visionary of our times, discussed this issue in detail.

The Rebbe was known for both his intense knowledge of Bible and Talmud and his secular scholarship having graduated Berlin University and the Sorbonne with advanced degrees in the sciences. He often addressed timely events and scientific developments, and in his unique style would explain the personal and practical applications of any given issue.

In the summer of 1969, after the second landing on the moon, the Rebbe addressed the topic of extraterrestrial life. Citing his fundamental belief that the Torah -- the Bible -- is the spiritual blueprint of the universe, the Rebbe explained that delving into the Bible can yield allusions or even direct references to scientific discoveries. After all, science, essentially, uncovers the divine secrets of nature that have lain hidden in existence from the beginning of time.

In the case of extraterrestrial life the Bible clearly refers to its possibility, and even to its actuality. In the book of Judges, chapter 5, the prophetess Devora sings a song of praise to God for helping Barak win his battle against his enemy Sisera. In verse 20 she sings: "The stars in their course fought against Sisera." And then in verse 23 she continues: "Curse Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse bitterly its inhabitants, because they did not come to the help of the Lord...against the mighty men."

And who is this Meroz? According to one opinion in the Talmud -- the authoritative oral interpretation of the Biblical texts -- Meroz is a planet (tractate Moed Katan 16a). Accordingly, the "inhabitants" of "Meroz" indicates life on another planet.

The context in which the reference to Meroz is found compels the Talmud to define it as a planet (and not as a neighboring city), as it is preceded by the verse that states "the stars in their course fought against Sisera." Thus, it follows that Meroz refers to a celestial body whose inhabitants did not come to Barak’s aid.

Another issue Rabbi Schneerson addressed was the personal implications should extraterrestrial life be found. In keeping with his message that we must utilize any new discoveries for constructive personal growth, the Rebbe applied this to the search for other life. He predicted that if any extraterrestrial life forms are discovered, they will be life forms other than human. This is based on the Biblical belief that human life, empowered with the ability to choose between good and evil, was bestowed exclusively upon Adam and Eve on Earth. All other creatures follow a "program" inherent in their natural makeup; the laws of nature that (when untouched by human hands) maintain a natural balance. The human race is unique in that it was given free will and given the Torah, God’s word and law, by which to know right from wrong. Indeed, Rabbi Schneerson went on to explain that the human being is the "center" of creation, not necessarily in a spatial sense, but qualitatively: Man has the power to dominate and influence the course of nature, either constructively or destructively. Thus, any discovery of extraterrestrial life only intensifies our responsibility to protect, refine and elevate the entire universe in all its elements -- mineral, vegetable and animal -- and transform them to channels of divine energy by utilizing them for living better and more virtuous lives.

Each person, the Rebbe elaborated, is a microcosm of the entire universe and all its myriad details. Man is a small universe; the universe is a large organism. We are interlinked and interdependent with the world in which we live. And the world is uplifted through our own personal refinement. The larger the magnitude of the cosmos and galaxies, the greater are the opportunities in understanding ourselves. As we pursue the perpetual human quest toward the unknown -- and the new, exciting discoveries that unfold along the way -- the more we are struck by the sheer awe of existence and of the Divine wisdom driving this grand design. And the more this underscores the power entrusted in us: to sanctify the world in which we live -- integrating inner and outer space.

Clearly, humankind will continue to search for other life in the galaxies. It seems that intrinsic to human nature is the innate, compelling drive to know what other life exists besides our own. The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s talk in the summer of ‘69 asks of us to recognize a deeper significance in this never-ending search: How this search -- which stretches back to Biblical times -- should evoke in each of us a greater sensitivity and commitment to life all around us, near and far.


http://www.meaningfullife.com/html/themes/themes/life-on-other-planets.html

[icewolf770]

truthfully there is no way to disagree... there is no proof nor disproof of the existence of other life forms in places other than earth

[RebYid]

The only question is how much intelligent life there is on THIS planet.

[BrookAve]

Most people don't know what in the world they are doing on planet earth. They are probably too freightened to explore for themselves. That is why learning Torah and especially Chassidus makes it all understandable.

[RebYid]

Hoe non-gastronomic and uncharacteristically serious of you!

[BrookAve]

Burrrp! Excuse me, I just ate a real great pastrami sandwich with mustard. Cucumber salad left over from Shabbos. MMM. Yes, it is true that I can be serious, but not for very long. What is that smell coming from the kitchen? AHHH, lemon bars made from lemons from our tree. Next course will be benching. I can be serious for a few RebYid!

[icewolf770]

well at least i knwo where i am.... some don't know were they are and they are worried about other planets???!!!!!

[hishtatchus]

The grass is always greener on the other side of the solar system!

[icewolf770]

true true

[Dr. Yisroel]

Hashamayim, shamayim laHashem, v'haareta nasan lifnet adam (the heavens are heavens for G-d and the earth is for man).

The Rebbe told Professor Green to continue his research i order to help those who already don't see the vast and complex nature of Hashem's world see and understand it.

Is it greater than someone's imagination and elucidation? Look into the Tanach, you will find the answer!

[Jude]

Prof. Velvel Green received this answer from the Rebbe, encouraging him to continue his scientific research:

"A person who insists that life on other planets is impossible, is limiting the power and ability of the Creator."

On Shabbos parshas Devarim 5729, in reference to the statement of Chazal that there is nothing that is not alluded to in the Torah, the Rebbe mentioned that someone had recently asked him about the possibility of extra-terrestrial life.

"The question," the Rebbe said, "does not pertain directly to Torah and mitzvos. Nonetheless, as people are curious about what the Torah has to say, our Sages promised (Chagiga 5:2) that whenever there are questions and controversies, someone will always be found who can answer them.

...

"In shiras Devora ... it states, "Curse Meroz, said the angel of G-d, curse bitterly its inhabitants." The Gemara offers two explanations as to the identity of Meroz; the 2nd explanation is that Meroz is the name of a planet. ...From this we see that there are inhabitants on the planet Meroz!"

As far as extra-terrestrial civilizations are concerned, the Rebbe concludes that there is no doubt that whatever life forms may exist, are inferior to ours. Why? simply because we received the Torah and they did not.

[Jude]

The book Emuna U'Mada (pages 130-137) contains an interesting yechidus a Jewish professor once had with the Rebbe during which he asked several questions pertaining to Jewish philosophy. In answer to the question, "What is the Torah's view on the possibility of alien civilizations?" the Rebbe gives a detailed response. After mentioning several of the above points (previous post), the Rebbe goes on to say:

"In any event, we're talking about simple organisms, not intelligent creatures or intelligent civilizations.

"Intelligent creatures, as defined by the Torah (in Rambam's Hilchos Teshuva, chapter 5) are only those who, like man, possess free will. Free will is granted to man so that he may choose between good and evil; the definitions of absolute good and evil (and the obligation and encouragement to make the right choice) are found only in the Torah. Thus the phenomenon of free will is derived solely from the Torah, and exists only because of the Torah.

"Therefore, if one postulates that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe, it follows that they must also have the Torah, and this is an impossibility. It is impossible that these intelligent creatures would have another Torah, different than ours, for the Torah is the Torah of truth, and there can be only one.

On the other hand, it is also impossible to theorize that they have the same Torah that was given to us, for the story of the giving of the Torah on earth is described in the Torah in great detail, and much emphasis is put on these details as they are extremely significant in terms of understanding the Torah itself.

[RebYid]

If they cannot be "intelligent creatures" defined as those possessing free will, why is the only alternative "simple organisms"? Why could they not be advanced organisms, or even robot or computer like creatures, which also have not free will?

[Jude]

my question is: what is meant by cursed are the inhabitants of Meroz - if they're simple creatures with no free will, what does it mean that they didn't come to the aid of Bnei Yisrael in the war with Sisra?

[Yankel Nosson]

Saro shel Meroz.

[Hayitzchaki]

Here's a link to Aryeh Kaplan's article:
http://mapage.cybercable.fr/richard.preschel/kaplan_index.htm

[BrookAve]

I know people on this planet that I know are from other ones. They dont have characteristics of earthlings. I am sure there was some inbreeding at some point. Look, there are no limitations to G-d's creations in this universe. Some day...

[marble]

Originally posted by BrookAve
I know people on this planet that I know are from other ones. They dont have characteristics of earthlings. I am sure there was some inbreeding at some point. Look, there are no limitations to G-d's creations in this universe. Some day...

You may be thinking of the "bnei mlachim"?

[Yankel Nosson]

Prof. Velvel Greene was employed by NASA in the early years of the space program. He once told the Rebbe that despite all their research, scientists had found no sign of extra-terrestrial life.
"Shouldn't we stop looking?" the professor asked. "After all, is it not a point of faith that there is no life outside Earth?"

"Why put limits on G-d?" the Rebbe answered. "Continue looking! Whether or not there is life in outer space is a question for the scientists; it is not an object of faith."

from To Know And To Care, vol 2

I recall reading a meeting with Hillel students, where they asked the Rebbe about life on other planets. Basically, the Rebbe said that it is possible, because G-d can do anything He wants and there is nothing in the Torah that precludes it (and there are various hints), but regardless: such life, even if intelligent, would not have free choice as free choice is only given to human beings.

also see this: http://www.meaningfullife.com/html/themes/themes/life-on-other-planets.html

[Wolf]

I wonder what the possibility is that on an another planet there was also an "Adam" and "Chava" and a "Moshe" who led his (it's?) "people" out of servitude in "Mitzrayim" and led them to a promised land "Yisrael" as well.

They may be physically different from us, and there Yisrael may be different, but the Torah would be the same, with parallel developments of the events in Tanach as well...

I wonder... :)

Wolf

[Yankel Nosson]

You can wonder...the Rebbe stated clearly that Torah is here and only here.

[Wolf]

Originally posted by Yankel Nosson
You can wonder...the Rebbe stated clearly that Torah is here and only here.

Fair enough. On what did he base that?

(Please note, I am just playing "Devil's Advocate" here. I'll be the first to admit that my scenario is highly unlikely at best...)

Wolf

[BrookAve]

I say that most people dont know what in the world they are doing on planet earth! Lets try to make this spinning rock a better place.