Belief in the devil as someone who can compete as an equal or near equal to
G-d for control of the universe is probably idolatrous.
HaSatan (first two 'a's are pronounced like the o in 'hot', third like u in
'fun') is mentioned in a few places in Tanach (Jewish scriptures), most
notably in the book of Job, where he is a major character. Therefor, the
Rabbinic tradition must include it as well.
HaSatan translates to "The Impediment". Note the leading "ha-" prefix,
meaning "the", which wouldn't fit if Satan were a name. For angels, though,
the line between name and title is blurry -- the name connotes the angel's
role in any case.
Looking at Job, we find Satan asking G-d to present Job with a new
challenge. Job has mastered the art of worshipping G-d from the gratitude
of having, and sharing with those who have less. But would Job still
worship Him if G-d took it all away?
This is typical of the Jewish view of Satan, and very much in line with the
idea of an obstacle or impediment. Satan makes human growth possible by
providing the necessary challenge. After all, G-d does not want us to
merely /be/ good, He wants us to "choose life", to strive for it.
Otherwise, he could have made us automata -- the whole beauty of free will
only exists if there exists a real choice.
So, Satan serves G-d by making human goodness a true choice, a challenge,
an opportunity to be more than we were. This is very different than the
Chrisitan notion of the devil.
Micha Berger (973) 916-0287
micha@aishdas.org (
http://www.aishdas.org -- Orthodox Judaism: Torah, Avodah, Chessed