The Neck

Between the brain and the heart lies a narrow strait called the neck.

This neck presents a major challenge, because the brain must ponder very deeply to squeeze its thoughts through such tight passage and reach the heart below.

But it is also a great advantage, because when the heart is thrown to and fro by the mighty rapids of life, spinning in circles from the turbulence of desire and fear, the brain can still observe from its perch high above the rapids and direct the heart back on course.

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8 Comments

Orli August 21, 2024

Yet without love the soul has no meaning, is easy to underestimate the heart.
I guess not everyone has the same definition for love, heart and mind Reply

anonymous May 8, 2022

you know how people say each part of the body corresponds to a part in the Torah?
which part does the neck correspond to? Reply

Eugina G Herrera New York, New York May 13, 2012

Heart In other words, don't just extend your neck, think before speaking for your heart and ours can communicate what we truly are sharing with our loud Heart to be heard with G-D Reply

Katherine Anderson Seattle, WA May 13, 2012

Daily Diet Thiis is actually about the head ans neck essay. I loved it. I have been readng the Rabbi for a couple of years now. He gives good advice and thoughtful comments and sometimes his humour comes out. I refer to this as part of my daily diet, I read him in the morning with my coffee. Thank you for being a part of my life. Reply

L. Shepherd Miami Beach, Fl May 13, 2012

Hair I traveled on the Black Hills of South Dakota and I asked a Native American why they leave their hair long. He looked at me and then said:
"The hair is part of the nervous system and with hair we can perceive more, feel more, we are more Human with long hair."
I remembered that when Samson lost his hair he lost his power. Immediately knew the wisdom of the Rabbis was very accurate. Reply

rabbi yochanan ben avrohom louisville, ky May 13, 2012

neck, head and heart This is absolutely what is wrong with rabbinical Judaism, The head resides in the world with man and his ego. The heart is full of love, compassion and is the dwelling place of the Most High G-d. This what has lead the 21st century Jew to the place he dwells in now. How can a Jew that doesn't love his fellow Jew bring about the Tikkun Olam, when Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform can agree on how to worship the same God based on your premises that the head is to lead the heart. If the opposite were true we might have a chance outside the realm of self righteousness. shalom aleichem, r.yochanan Reply

zalmy May 8, 2022

in response to rabbi yochanan ben avrohom:

You do have a point, but on the other hand, if the heart gets out of control it can lead to anger, greed, and any other bad emotions. The head needs to keep it under control. Reply

Mitchell Potok Scarborough, Ontario September 4, 2006

That was interesting... Your outlook on the situation is quite thought provoking. I am glad I read upon your thinking. Thanks Reply

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