Releasing the captive within

As the Jewish people face one of the most trying times in recent memory, the words of Deuteronomy 21:10: “When you go out to war against your enemies, and Hashem delivers them into your hands, and you take captives,” strikes with a poignant relevance. The idea of captivity, however, extends far beyond the physical realm, reminding us of a deeper spiritual struggle that many face today.

In an age of constant news updates and social media, it’s easy to feel consumed by grief, anger, and anxiety. Heartfelt posts flood online platforms, and many feel growing animosity toward our enemies. Yet, we must ask ourselves, is this response enough to address the profound pain we’re feeling? Is there another way to seek relief and healing during such dark times?

The Sochatchover Rebbe, known as the Shem Mishmuel (1910-1926), offers a profound perspective on captivity, one that applies not only to the external world but also to our inner lives. According to his teachings, within each person lies a deep, spiritual connection to their true self. When that connection is lost, it feels as if our soul has been taken captive, leaving us disconnected from our essence.

This week’s Torah portion outlines a metaphorical process for releasing captives, one that provides a roadmap for reclaiming our inner selves. The Torah describes a process for someone who takes a captive with the intention of marriage: bringing them into their home, shaving their hair, allowing their nails to grow, dressing them in mourning, and giving them time to cry for their parents. If the captive chooses not to marry after this process, they are set free. While this may seem unrelated to the inner struggle of modern life, the Shem Mishmuel reveals a deeper, symbolic meaning behind these steps.

Step 1: Enter the home

The “home” in this context refers to the Beit Hakneset (synagogue) and Beit Midrash (study hall), both spiritual homes. The first step to freeing our captive selves is to immerse ourselves in these environments of prayer and study. Reconnecting with our spiritual roots helps us to regain our sense of identity and purpose.

Step 2: Shave the hair

In Kabbalistic teachings, hair represents thoughts that have been “excreted” from the mind – negative influences and distractions. Shaving the hair symbolises cutting away these mental distractions, including the constant barrage of social media, entertainment, and superficial updates. Instead, we’re called to focus on meaningful learning, meditation, and self-growth.

Step 3: Let the nails grow

Nails, in Kabbalah, symbolise our attachment to physicality and materialism. Letting them grow is a reminder that our endless pursuit of material success isn’t the key to true happiness. Rather, we must recognise that lasting contentment comes from beyond the physical realm.

Step 4: Dress in mourning garments

Dressing in mourning reminds us of life’s fragility. It’s a call to live each moment with intention, recognising that our time is finite and that what truly matters is the present – our connection to the here and now.

Step 5: Cry for your parents

Finally, the Torah instructs the captive to cry for their mother and father. This symbolises yearning for a connection to our divine source, the root of all true joy and freedom. By striving to reconnect with this source, we can begin to experience true inner liberation.

As we collectively mourn, worry, and pray for the release of Israel’s captives, it’s important to recognise that we also have a captive within ourselves – our true essence – waiting to be freed. By following these five steps, as outlined in this week’s Torah portion, we can work toward redeeming our personal and national souls.

May we soon witness the redemption of our captives and the restoration of peace and freedom for all of Israel.