This comprehensive article, written by Rabbi Louis Jacobs on MyJewishLearning.com, discusses the development of the references and understanding of angels in Judaism from Biblical times until modern day, including an exploration of how literally the concept should be taken. When one sings Shalom Aleichem to the ministering angels every Shabbat evening, is one singing to an actual angel, or reciting imaginative poetry? This article is helpful to anyone looking to learn more about the role of angels in Judaism and the theological discussions surrounding this topic. Rabbi Dr. Louis Jacobs (1920-2006), a leading Jewish theologian and writer, was the first Conservative Rabbi in the United Kingdom.Â