Overcoming Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance is something we may all experience from time to time. It is the feeling of discomfort which arises from holding contradictory thoughts, attitudes, or behaviors simultaneously.
This discomfort pushes us to either change our perspectives, attitudes, or behaviors to align with the new information or to seek consistency by rationalizing or justifying our contradictory beliefs or actions.
In Kabbalistic terminology, this inner conflict is ascribed to the dual nature of our two souls: the animal soul and the G-dly soul.
The animal soul is primarily motivated by self-interest and self-preservation. It serves to fuel our physical desires and propels us to fulfill all our physical necessities and duties, such as eating, sleeping, working, exercising, etc.
Conversely, the G-dly soul operates selflessly, urging us to aid others, observe Mitzvot, engage in good deeds, study Torah, and strive to positively impact the world around us.
When uncontrolled, these two souls can appear to clash, resulting in an internal conflict and a sense of frustration, as each one vies for dominance and attempts to dictate our actions.
How can we confront the challenge of leading a balanced and purposeful life when these inherently contrasting souls coexist within us?
In the opening of this week's Torah portion, Toldot, we encounter a captivating incident. Following years of being unable to conceive, Isaac and Rebecca's prayers to G-d were finally answered and they were anticipating the arrival of their first child. Initially, Rebecca found herself perplexed and troubled by the apparent conflict within the child growing in her womb, until she discovered she was, in fact, 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
Like all stories and teachings 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 in 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 culinary arts to host Shabbat and 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 other nations. As the world progresses closer to the time of Redemption, we learn to work together in harmony to positively transform the world around us, each in our own way.
While we are once again battling the face of evil in Israel and around the world, we also know that this time we are joined by billions of people around the globe who have united together for the side of good. We are witnessing an unprecedented unity and peace both among the Jewish people and with many of our gentile neighbors. The majority of the American people and our government leaders are leading the world by example and showing tremendous support for Israel and the Jewish people especially at this time.
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)”.
