Page 17 - The Jewish Voice - November '20

The Jewish Voice, Page 17

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Two Against One Unfortunately, what we are seeing today is an effort It is not his job, and he doesn’t really care if someone else
to create divisiveness between people, which can be used will do good or bad. In contrast, the G-dly soul cares and
By Rabbi Leib Ezagui to gain control or manipulate large groups. In truth, this wants others to do good as well.
Question: With so does not represent the majority of good people out there We can see this same issue on small scale with toxic
much negativity constantly who deep down truly want to connect and respect others. relationships.
being shoved at us from Kabbalah explains that every person has a G-dly Toxic people will share deep secrets with people just
the media, what can I do inclination and an evil inclination. The G-dly soul is to seem momentarily interesting and they will frequently
to create a more positive constantly pushing us to get in control and do good, even judge or gossip about people behind their backs. Toxic
environment in our family when we don’t feel like it — while the evil inclination people will often talk behind somebody’s back to you in
business? I feel as if the wants us to let ourselves go and give in all the time! the hopes that you will agree with them. They will then
division makes employees The key is to remember that spirituality is selfless and go and tell the other person what you said. This creates
second guess each other always looking out for the greater good and the good of friction between two people, leaving the toxic person
and puts a peg in between others. The evil inclination, on the other hand, is selfish in the middle holding all the cards. It’s a divisive and
the workers. and just wants us alone to mess up. manipulative method of gaining friends or power in a
Answer: We live in one of the greatest countries in There is a famous saying that when two Jews get social group. Do not take the bait.
modern-day history, a place where all people can practice together it is two G-dly souls against one animal soul. We just came from Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New
what they believe in without being bothered or bothering Because in the struggle to take control of a person, the Year) and the holiday of Sukkot. Sukkot is one of the most
others. animal soul only cares that we follow our instincts blindly. beautiful holidays because, after Yom Kippur when we
prayed and asked forgiveness, we are elevated to such a
level where every type of Jew can sit together in the same
sukkah. The sukkah is a mitzvah that surrounds us and is
compared to G-d hugging us — and everyone is welcome
to get in on the hug!
The answer is if we can learn to gain control of our
own toxic and evil inclinations, those around us won’t
have to second guess themselves and will feel empowered
and comfortable to do the same. It’s two against one!
Rabbi Leib serves as youth director for Chabad House
Lubavitch of Palm Beach and runs the Jewish School of the
Arts kid’s program, (561) 624-7004. The advice offered in
this column is for informational purposes only and is not
intended as a substitute for professional advice. To ask the
rabbi a question, email rabbi@chabadpalmbeach.org.

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