"If you see the donkey of your enemy collapsing under its load and are inclined to desist from helping him, you shall surely help along with him"—Exodus 23:5.
The Hebrew word for "donkey" (chamor) is related to the word for "physicality." So this week's portion – besides for instructing us in upright and compassionate conduct, helping the donkey of one's enemy with its load – also describes the relationship we ought to have with our own physical selves.
Our objective is not to eradicate our physical drives, but to align them more with G‑d's willSo, let's re-read the above quote with this new perspective in mind.
"If you see your physicality as your enemy..."
This describes the trap that many of us, as spiritual seekers, fall into. We often view our own physicality as an obstacle to spiritual growth. The verse begins by describing this attitude of disdain for the body—that "your physicality" is "your enemy."
We decide to pursue a rigorous program of self-refinement that will unavoidably place a considerable burden on the body.
"…collapsing under its load…"
Although we are aware that our bodies are under duress, we are still hesitant to alleviate the pressure. We continue to think that there is some kind of spiritual gain to be had from denying our own physical needs.
"….and [you] are inclined to desist from helping him…"
The verse corrects our thinking and tells us that we should not perceive the body as an enemy that deserves to be crushed.
"…you shall surely help along with him…"
Our true objective is not to eradicate our physical drives, but to align them more with G‑d's will for us. In other words, we don't need to fight the body; rather, we should develop a sensitivity to G‑d within ourselves.
Although our recovery is based on spiritual principles, this does not imply that we can or should ignore our bodies in the name of spiritual refinement. Au contraire, although recovery has taught us to be cautious of our bodily needs and instincts, we must remember that our bodies are sick, not evil. As recovering addicts, our bodies require special care and attention in order to be brought into harmony with our spiritual goals.
The highest level of spiritual development is a state in which body and soul are in balanceHALT is a popular acronym in recovery that warns us not to place undue burden on our bodies. The slogan "Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired" describes basic physical or emotional needs that we must tend to as a foundation of our sobriety.
Spirituality does not have to be gained at the cost of forsaking our physical health and happiness. Indeed, the highest level of spiritual development is a state in which body and soul are in balance, and both working toward a common goal. The path to a closer relationship with G‑d is not asceticism or self-denial, but rather, as King Solomon advised (Proverbs 3:6), "Know Him in all your ways." That is, by mindfully tending to our bodily needs for the sake of Heaven, we ensure our long-term sobriety.
LOGIN
ASK THE RABBI
