Evil – what is it? Where does it come from? Is it real? Will it last forever?

The Rambam and the Mekubalim teach diametrically opposed approaches to the ancient problem of evil in a good God's world. According to Rambam, evil has no real existence, being merely the lack of good. God's creation is absolutely good – although we don't always understand its goodness – and much of the evils we face are man-made. In this optimistic philosophy all of us, here and now, partake fully of Hashem's goodness in His perfect world.

In contrast, the Mekubalim teach that evil is real, indeed very important. There is a metaphysical reality to this force that opposes good – but only for the time being; our mission is to overcome and overpower it and thereby perfect a currently imperfect world.

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