Journey of the soul

Rabbi Ari Kievman,

Parshat Noach
Shul in Sandton Central

This analogy is true of life. An ancient Jewish text teaches that before we are born, an angel taps us under our noses, erasing all of our memories of heaven. But no need to worry, those memories are not lost forever.

When we study the lessons contained in the Torah portion of each week, our souls experience déjà vu.

Last week we commenced our annual cycle of Torah study, from the very beginning of Genesis all over again. We read the cheerful narrative of how the Divine Architect created a most amazing universe. The ultimate raison d’être of it, we are taught, was for the human being, who was created in G-d’s image.

Yet, not too long after, it appears that the masterpiece has not turned out that glorious after all. This week’s portion of Noach describes how the world descended into a culture of decadence and corruption. Only a devastating flood obliterating all of creation could rectify and cleanse the malevolence.

The past week of violence around the world and especially in our Holy Land has once again reminded us how morally bankrupt humanity can become.

How is it that man – this lofty entity created in G-d’s own likeness – could lapse into the depth of depravity?

Within the text of our parsha some insights could be gleaned. After the entire planet’s desolation as a result of the flood, G-d promises: “Never again will I curse the soil because of man, for the inclination of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” (Gen 8:20-21) 

Our Creator fashioned man with a soul that is both in the Divine image as well as containing elements of “evil”. It is our choice which lifestyle to live at any given time; on either the spiritual or animalistic plane.

Interestingly, the evil inclination seems to be on autopilot and works spontaneously, whereas the Divine soul requires cultivation.

Did you ever notice how the flowers in a beautiful garden actually require meticulous care while the weeds just appear without any effort?

A weed-free garden requires much care and work. Like a rose, the G-dly soul, requires meticulous, proactive maintenance to cultivate, whereas the wilder spirit seems all-natural.

We weren’t created as angels, one-dimensional. If we have tendencies for both good and evil there must be a purpose. Chassidic philosophy teaches that our weaknesses, when recognised as such, can become the springboard for a much improved self.

* Next week I begin teaching a new course, Journey of the Soul that will provide spiritual insight into the soul’s journey through life, death, and beyond.