Shituf: Understanding the Difference between Idolatry and Association (Intermediary)

 

In Torah wisdom, the concept of shituf (partnership or association or intermediary) refers to the idea of acknowledging the existence of other beings or forces in the universe, while recognizing that they are not deities to be worshiped, and that ultimately there is only one God. This stands in contrast to avodah zara (full blown idolatry as was practiced by the 7 Canaanite nations), which involves the application of the 'wisdom' (backsiade wisdom) of worship of entities other than the one God of Torah wisdom.

There is a distinct and significant difference between shituf and avodah zara. Shituf recognizes the complexity and diversity of the world and how different aspects of it can be seen as expressions of God's power and will, while still kind of maintaining a monotheistic belief in the one God yet to still have an intermediary between themselves and God as in their minds it would be unfathomably to approach God directly. Avodah zara, on the other hand, involves giving honor or reverence to something other than the one true God, and to the extend that this 'wisdom' (which do not exist today) could be used to alter creation in a powerful way that can lead to a gross blurring of the lines between the one true God and false gods or idols.

The ideal form of worship in Torah wisdom is direct and uncompromising monotheism, where God is recognized as the one and only true God and Creator, without the need for intermediaries or partners in worship. This is the ideal that Israel strives for, and that all nations should aspire to as well. The name Israel can be rear as Yeshar-El (Yashar [Straight] to El [God]).

While avodah zara is considered a severe sin in Torah wisdom, it does not exist in its purest form today. However, there are different forms of shituf that exist in all cultures and religions of the nations, where other beings or entities are seen as intermediaries between humans and the divine of which the severity of that differs from case to case. Some forms of shituf are more gross and crass than others.

The ideal for all people, regardless of religion or culture, is to reject shituf and connect to God directly, just as Israel does. This involves recognizing the complexity and diversity of the world, while maintaining a strict monotheistic belief in the one true God.

It is important to note that the rejection of shituf and the adherence to direct monotheistic worship is not just a matter of theological correctness, but has practical implications for how we live our lives. The reality is that in the way we perceive and recognize God is exactly the way God would reveal Himself. This gives meaning to the concept in Torah that 'God leads you in the way that you choose.  Direct worship of God requires us to take responsibility for our actions and to acknowledge the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. It also requires us to cultivate a sense of humility and awe in the face of God's power and majesty.

The sages of Torah wisdom recognized the dangers of idolatry and the importance of upholding monotheism. In fact, the Men of the Great Assembly prayed for the removal of the inclination towards idolatry from the Jewish people, as recorded in the Talmud Bavli, Sanhedrin 64a. The removal of the inclination towards idolatry was accompanied by a significant spiritual loss for Israel, as the gift of prophecy was taken away from them.

This passage suggests that the Men of the Great Assembly's request to remove the inclination towards idolatry was accompanied by a significant spiritual loss for the Jewish people, as the gift of prophecy was taken away from them. The Talmudic commentary explains that this loss of prophecy was a result of the Jewish people's inability to fully internalize the lessons taught by the prophets and the Men of the Great Assembly, and their continued inclination towards sin and idolatry which took on the form of shituf from then on.

Overall, the Talmudic passage in Sanhedrin 64a presents a complex picture of the spiritual struggles of the Jewish people during the Second Temple period, highlighting the importance of rejecting idolatry and upholding monotheism, while also acknowledging the difficulties and challenges that arose along the way.

In conclusion, the concept of shituf in Torah wisdom emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the complexity and diversity of the world, while maintaining a strict monotheistic belief in the onetrue God. While shituf is not as severe a sin as avodah zara, the ideal for all nations is to reject both and connect to God directly, just as Israel does.

It is important to note that Israel's mandate to be a light to the nations means that it is important for all people to embrace the ideal of direct monotheistic worship, in order to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and awe in the face of God's power and majesty, and to live in accordance with the universal values of Torah wisdom.

Furthermore, the rejection of shituf and the embrace of direct monotheistic worship is not just a matter of theological correctness, but has practical implications for how we live our lives. Direct worship of God requires us to take responsibility for our actions and to acknowledge the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. It also requires us to cultivate a sense of humility and awe in the face of God's power and majesty, and to strive for ethical behavior and moral excellence. Connecting directly to God changes one's reality in a very significant way so as to not rely on anything that would resemble a shituf idea but that we are completely responsible for the reality that we create for ourselves.

In contrast, shituf can lead to a blurring of the lines between the one true God and other entities or forces in the universe, and can create a false sense of security or protection. Its a way to sidestep one's own responsibility and place it upon whatever shituf idea. Ultimately, it is only through direct worship of the one true God that we can fully understand our place in the universe and our role in promoting justice, compassion, and love in the world and stand absolutely responsible for everything in our lives.

In summary, the concept of shituf in Torah wisdom emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the complexity and diversity of the world, while maintaining a strict monotheistic belief in the one true God. While shituf is not as severe a sin as avodah zara, the ideal for all nations is to reject both and connect to God directly, just as Israel does. This involves recognizing the importance of direct worship, cultivating a sense of humility and awe, and striving for ethical behavior and moral excellence. By embracing these ideals, we can all work towards building a world that is just, compassionate, and filled with love.

Rejection shituf goes hand in hand with "making kabbalah", the informal procedure before three ordinary Jews to accept upon oneself the yoke of Torah pertaining to the person, and thereby joining oneself to God and attaching to Israel. The attachment to Israel is of extreme significance as it is crucial that one would get one's sustenance in proper Torah study from a proper legitimate Torah source and perspective. One proof of this fact is that one would never have found the sheva mitzvot (the 7 laws of Noah) in the Tanach by oneself but only through the Oral Torah. The idea of attachment to Israel is  ultimately to unify Israel and the 70 Nations making the Name of Hashem and His Name One.

It seems from understanding this topic (of shituf) that shituf could indeed be one of the main things standing in the way of humanity and the Geulah Shleimah (the final redemption).