Sefer HaBris (1:3) discusses at length the existence of countless starts in the Milky Way. Writing as he is in the 18th Century, he discusses how science had then become aware of the existence of many more stars than had previously been believed, as well as numerous planets. He speaks of the existence of many geographic features, such as mountains and valleys, on the moon and planets. He shares some of the speculation of the astronomers of the day as to the possibility of extraterrestrial life. He is very unconvinced by the arguments some of them put forth. He didn't feel that markings on the planets were signs of anything having been built, nor was he swayed by the argument that the odds favor there being life on other planets as there is on ours.
He concludes, however, that there is life on other planets. While unsure as to what there purpose might be of extraterrestrial life, and how they might help humanity, he points out that there are plenty of things in this world whose purpose eludes us as well. He mentions that in the Kabbalistic spiritual realm we are taught that there are countless worlds in the realms of Atzilus, Briyah and Yetzirah, why shouldn't the same be true in the realm of Aisiyah, the physical realm, as well.
He points out that in the Song of Devorah she says ארוא מרוז, cursed is Maroz. In the Talmud there is some debate as to what Maroz is. One opinion says that Maroz is the name of a star. Its inhabitants are being cursed for not coming to Devorah's assistance. Apparently, then, the Talmud was open to the idea of there being intelligent life surrounding other stars.
He maintains, however, that the notion that some have that the life on other stars is human life, is untenable. In his view there is sufficient human life on earth to fulfill God's plan for Creation, and there is no need for life that has Free Will anyplace else. Additionally, just as on earth, different climates produce different animals, and the earth, skies and water don't have the same inhabitants, similarly, logic dictates that extra-terrestrials would be unlike earthlings.
He points out that in the Song of Devorah she says ארוא מרוז, cursed is Maroz. In the Talmud there is some debate as to what Maroz is. One opinion says that Maroz is the name of a star. Its inhabitants are being cursed for not coming to Devorah's assistance. Apparently, then, the Talmud was open to the idea of there being intelligent life surrounding other stars.
He maintains, however, that the notion that some have that the life on other stars is human life, is untenable. In his view there is sufficient human life on earth to fulfill God's plan for Creation, and there is no need for life that has Free Will anyplace else. Additionally, just as on earth, different climates produce different animals, and the earth, skies and water don't have the same inhabitants, similarly, logic dictates that extra-terrestrials would be unlike earthlings.
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