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What if the parts of yourself you struggle with most are not meant to be destroyed, but redirected?
In Lesson 13 of Kabbalah for Everyone, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath moves beyond simply identifying the Nefesh HaBahamit, the animal soul and discovers the deeper Kabbalistic vision: the goal is not to become less human, less passionate, less ambitious, or less emotional. The goal is to educate the enormous energy already inside us.
Drawing from Tanya, we explore itkafya, the ability to create space between an impulse and our response; the inner “courtroom” of the beinoni, where a feeling may make its argument without being allowed to issue the verdict; and ultimately the possibility of redirecting the animal soul itself toward holiness.
The ox is powerful. Unharnessed, it can destroy a field. Harnessed, that very same strength can produce a harvest. Your stubbornness can become loyalty. Your ambition can become service. Your sensitivity can become compassion. Your appetite for life can itself become part of your relationship with G-d.
The goal is not spirituality despite being human. It is spirituality through being human.
Key Points
A voice is not a verdict. An impulse, emotion, or thought may speak loudly without being given authority over what you think, say, or do.
The beinoni is not someone without struggle. Spiritual greatness can exist right in the middle of an ongoing inner battle.
Itkafya creates freedom. Sometimes holiness begins with the ability to say, “I want this, but I do not have to obey it right now.”
Don’t kill the ox. Harness it. The raw energy behind difficult traits may contain tremendous spiritual power.
Same ox. Different plow. Stubbornness can become persistence. Competition can become self-improvement. Pleasure can become beautiful Shabbat. Ambition can become service.
The Nefesh HaSichlit is the translator. Our rational mind can help translate the G-dly soul’s truths into language the animal soul can actually understand.
Dirah BiTachtonim happens inside us too. G-d wants a dwelling not only in the obviously holy parts of life, but in our bodies, appetites, personalities, passions, and physical energy.
Transformation does not mean sanctifying harmful behavior. We reject what is destructive while asking what healthy, holy power may exist underneath it.
Do not confuse recurring struggle with failure. Needing to choose again today does not erase yesterday’s victory.
The ultimate question is not, “Why am I not somebody else?” It is: “What am I going to do with the soul and temperament G-d gave me?”
Tonight Wednesday September 2 at 7:30pm EST on Zoom
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September 16th at 7:30pm EST on Zoom
The Forgiveness Experiment: LIVE
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The School for Sensitive Souls
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