It’s commonly assumed that Jewish belief in G-d has remained consistent throughout history. In truth, Jewish perceptions of the Divine have been strikingly diverse, shaped and reshaped across centuries, cultures, and theological currents.
Many are familiar with the contrast between Maimonidean
philosophical rationalism—rooted in Aristotelian thought—and the mystical
worldview of Kabbalah which some maintain is rooted in Neoplatonic thought.[1]
Yet there is a third, often overlooked theological strand with ancient roots:
Jewish binitarianism. Emerging as early as Second Temple times, this approach suggests
a dual structure within the Divine, typically involving a transcendent G-d and
a mediating figure. Any serious discussion of Jewish theology must move beyond
the binary of rationalism and mysticism to include this third, lesser-known but
historically significant option. This discussion explores the theological
tensions of the thirteenth century surrounding the nature and definition of
G-d.
