Decisions
With regards to any decision we may face, whether it is an inconsequential one like choosing our dinner menu or a more essential one like choosing a spouse or career, we can either choose to respond emotionally or rationally.
Our emotions often desires instant gratification and temporary pleasures while our intellect guides us to make the right decisions based on what is truly best for us in the long-term.
In Kabbalistic terminology, this inner conflict is attributed to the two souls we each possess: the animal soul and the G-dly soul.
The animal soul is driven by self-interests and self-preservation. It also provides us with energy to fulfill our physical desires and it motivates us to carry out all our physical needs and responsibilities such as eating, sleeping, working, exercising etc…
The G-dly soul, on the other hand, is completely selfless and motivates us to help others, observe Mitzvot, perform good deeds, learn Torah ect… and make a positive impact on the world around us.
While left unchecked, these two souls may seem at odds with each other which then leads us to feel an inner conflict and frustration, for each one is trying to dominate the other and dictate our behavior.
How do face the challenge of living a balanced and meaningful life while these two souls that exist within us seem so diametrically opposed?
At the beginning of this week's Torah portion, Toldot, we learn about a fascinating episode. After years of childlessness, Isaac & Rebecca's prayers to G-d were answered and they were finally expecting the birth of their first child. Initially, Rebecca was puzzled and disturbed by the seemingly conflicted child she was carrying in her womb, that is until she was told that she was actually carrying twins.
As the verse states, “And the children struggled within her, and she said, "If [it be] so, why am I [like] this?" And she went to inquire of the Lord.”- Genesis 25:22
Rashi, Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (Troyes, France 1040-1105), elaborates on the nature of the struggle which Rebecca felt: “Whenever she passed by the doors of the Torah (i. e. the Schools of Shem and Eber) Jacob moved convulsively in his efforts to come to birth, but whenever she passed by the gate of a pagan temple, Esau moved convulsively in his efforts to come to birth”.
In reply to her inquiry regarding the reason for the conflict she was experiencing, the verse continues, “And the Lord said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two kingdoms will separate from your innards, and one kingdom will become mightier than the other kingdom, and the elder will serve the younger.” - Genesis 25:23
These two children she gave birth to were Jacob and Esau who ultimately grew up to become the fathers of two different kingdoms, the Jewish people and the gentile nations.
Just like all stories and laws taught in the Torah, in addition to their literal meaning, they also contain deeper dimensions and spiritual eternal truths which are relevant to each of us in any given situation which we may find ourselves.
Metaphorically, Jacob and Esau represent the two opposing drives that exist within us all. We each possess an inner Jacob—our Divine soul with its G-dly drives, and an inner Esau—our animal soul with its selfish drives. When our Divine soul asserts itself, it weakens the materialistic tendencies of the animating soul and harnesses its energy for positivity.
The Divine soul overcomes the animal soul in the same way that light overcomes darkness. Light does not have to actively exert itself to disperse darkness—the darkness simply fades away. Similarly, as soon as we let the holiness and goodness of our Divine souls shine, by studying Torah and performing Mitzvot, the selfishness of the animal soul is transformed into a powerful force for goodness.
The animal soul is not evil per se, it is just selfish. If not kept in check and trained properly, it can lead us to destructive behavior and addictions. But by harnessing the powerful energy and drives of the animal soul for positive endeavors, and by using our talents and resources for a meaningful purpose, we synchronize our two souls and find inner peace and tranquility.
For example, we can utilize our drive for financial success to give more charity, we can express our musical talents to bring joy to others, or utilize our passion for gourmet food to host Shabbat/holiday dinners for family and friends.
The conflict between Jacob and Esau also represents the schism that existed throughout history for thousands of years between the Jewish people and the majority of the gentile nations.
Despite the very real threat of anti-Semitism which unfortunately continues to exist, we are still in a very prosperous era compared to past generations. Today, we can openly and proudly express our Judaism in almost any country around the world, including among the majority of Muslim nations. Many governments actively assist their local Jewish communities and display great respect towards the Jewish people.
The refinement of the world, as reflected in Jacob's refinement of Esau, is of primary importance in the present age. We have a unique responsibility to spread goodness, righteousness, and justice throughout the world at large, teaching the gentile nations to observe the seven universal moral laws commanded to Noach and his descendants. This will serve as a preparation for the era when “I will make the nations pure of speech and they will all call on the name of the L‑rd (Tzefania 3:9)”.
