Satan is well known across the globe as the embodiment of pure evil: a figure who elicits fear, hatred, and disgust in people of faith worldwide. But is this reputation well deserved? Does the Satan of today—the fallen angel, the devil—truly reflect his biblical origin?

For the next two weeks we will be discussing the role of Satan in the Jewish tradition, as well as the origins of the popular perception of the Devil. Who is he? What’s his purpose? Is he ultimately a force for evil… or for good?