Tyler’s Torah Thoughts for 8 Av, 5783

“God’s purpose in creating the world was to enable a fusion of spirit and matter. Since God created the world in a manner that it is predominantly material, our task–generally speaking–is to infuse it with a higher purpose, and to reveal the inner, spiritual core which pulsates within every one of God’s creations.

There is, however, a danger in “overdosing” the world with too much spirit, beyond what it can comfortably absorb. We must never forget that the goal is a unity of matter and spirit, where the physical world is “at home” with its Creator. We need to invigorate and inspire our world. not burn or blind it with a light that is too intense.

As we work towards our own individual spiritual liberation and freedom, the “boundaries” created by the 10 commandments give us space to get our feet under us.

The idea of this journey for me has been around healing.  Healing my inner self – doing the work to find self compassion, self love, self kindness. As I have mentioned previously, I am entering into a new segment of the journey.  Now it is learning to discover how to interact with others.

I take to heart the danger of “overdosing” the world with too much spirit – beyond what it can comfortably absorb.  I have been “accused” of being too intense for others. I have often lost the purpose and goal of the energy and spirit of liberation and freedom – unity of matter and spirit. Where the spaces I create (and co-create with others) feel “at home” instead of a place that feels anxious, produces fear, and avoids grounding.

The overarching principal is love.  And love is a powerful force. So powerful we can’t always comfortably absorb it. And when we discover it for ourselves, and begin our healing journey, we can blind our world with a light that is too intense. That is counter to our goal. To invigorate and inspire.

I talk a lot about the mantra “heal ourselves, heal the world.”  I think I am learning through the Torah (and my relationship with Hashem) the space between healing ourselves and healing the world. This is both exciting and terrifying.  And that feels grounding to me.

Those are my thoughts – especially as we enter into Tisha B’Av. I am curious to know your thoughts.

Here is my commentary from a year ago:

Tyler’s Torah Thoughts for 13 Av, 5782

Good morning! Let’s jump right into the Torah!

Today, Moses is restating the Ten Commandments.

Moses calls to all of Israel and says to them:

“Sh’ma Y’israel” which means “Listen Israel!”

He says to be careful. Observe them.

He tells them God made a covenant with them at Sinai. He didn’t just make this covenant with our parents and grandparents. It was with us too!

At Sinai – God spoke from the fire – face to face. Moses stood between God and the people.

Moses says “God spoke to you, saying;”

Let’s stop for a moment. Rabbi Menachem Schneerson has some interesting thoughts:

“God’s purpose in creating the world was to enable a fusion of spirit and matter. Since God created the world in a manner that it is predominantly material, our task–generally speaking–is to infuse it with a higher purpose, and to reveal the inner, spiritual core which pulsates within every one of God’s creations.

There is, however, a danger in “overdosing” the world with too much spirit, beyond what it can comfortably absorb. We must never forget that the goal is a unity of matter and spirit, where the physical world is “at home” with its Creator. We need to invigorate and inspire our world. not burn or blind it with a light that is too intense.

From where do we derive the sensitivity to achieve this difficult balance?

The answer: from the two accounts of the Ten Commandments written in the Torah. The first account (Exodus, ch. 19-20) where God’s voice shattered the heavens and the earth, gives us the ability to break through the barriers between spiritual and physical, and saturate the mundane world with Divinity. The repetition of the Ten Commandments here, was said by Moses, and was thus articulated in a more human voice. This gives us the strength to bring Divine revelation to the world harmoniously, respecting the limitations that exist and yet gradually inspiring the world to overcome its limitations and become a “home for God below.” (End quote)

This is a really powerful message. The goal isn’t being such a bright light that the world can’t see. The goal is balance. Fusing spirit and matter. Blending them together for a purpose.

This is counter to many of our spiritual instincts, for sure.

Let’s get back to the Torah. The rest of the portion goes through the Ten Commandments:

1. God is God. He took us out of slavery – the land of Egypt
2. Do not possess idols. Do not bow down to them. God is a jealous God, but He acts kindly to those who love Him and those who keep doing good for two thousand generations.
3. Don’t take God’s name in vain
4. Guard the sabbath to sanctify it. Rest. On the seventh day (which is Friday night to Saturday night in any credible understanding of what the seventh day is/was).
5. Honor your father and mother. So that our days may be lengthened.
6. Do not murder
7. Do not commit adultery
8. Do not steal
9. Do not hear false witness against your neighbor
10. Do not covet your neighbors wife: do not desire your neighbors stuff.

How often do we really reflect on these? And what do they mean for us?

I’m curious as to your thoughts.