Impulses
Notable Sources
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Subduing the Evil InclinationTALMUD
Subduing the Evil Inclination
TALMUD
The struggle against our impulses is a continuous and multi-step process, requiring various strategies to subdue the evil inclination. Rabbi Levi bar Ḥama, in the Babylonian Talmud in tractate Berakhot, outlines a progression of methods to combat the evil inclination, from inciting the good inclination to contemplating one's mortality.
The Consequences of ImpulsesSECOND TEMPLE
The Consequences of Impulses
SECOND TEMPLE
King David's inability to control his impulses led to a series of deceitful and tragic events. Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, recounts the biblical story of King David, Bathsheba, and Uriah, highlighting themes of sin, repentance, and divine justice.
The Power of SightTALMUD
The Power of Sight
TALMUD
The evil inclination (yetzer hara) is particularly provoked by what a person sees, making visual stimulation a key factor in controlling one's impulses. The Talmudic tractate Sotah discusses the laws and rituals related to a woman suspected of adultery, highlighting the influence of visual stimuli on the evil inclination.
The Serpent WithinCOMMENTARY
The Serpent Within
COMMENTARY
The inner passions of the soul, initially separate from one's true essence, became intertwined with the self after the consumption of the forbidden fruit, complicating the differentiation between them. Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook, a prominent Jewish thinker and mystic, explores the profound impact of the serpent in the Garden of Eden on the human soul.
The Source of Forbidden ImpulsesCHASIDUT
The Source of Forbidden Impulses
CHASIDUT
The impulse to pursue forbidden things is considered to derive from non-Jewish demons, specifically from the three unclean kelipot. The Tanya, a foundational text of Chabad Chassidism, delves into the nature of the soul and the struggle between good and evil inclinations.
Spiritual Influences of the FestivalsCHASIDUT
Spiritual Influences of the Festivals
CHASIDUT
The Jewish festivals of Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot each have unique spiritual influences that help counter specific human desires. In his collection of teachings, Likutei Etzot, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov explains how Pesach counters the desire for wealth, Shavuot counters the sexual impulse, and Sukkot helps control the greedy desire for food.
Transforming Evil into GoodCOMMENTARY
Transforming Evil into Good
COMMENTARY
The Torah has the power to transform our evil inclinations into good. Rashi, the renowned 11th-century French biblical commentator, explains this transformative power in his commentary on Zechariah.
The Relentless Yetzer HaraJEWISH THOUGHT
The Relentless Yetzer Hara
JEWISH THOUGHT
The yetzer hara (evil inclination) is relentless, never ceasing to challenge a person, regardless of past victories or defeats. In his 11th-century ethical masterpiece, Duties of the Heart, Bachya ibn Pekudah explores the perpetual struggle against one's inner negative impulses.
The Struggle WithinCOMMENTARY
The Struggle Within
COMMENTARY
Cain's failure to overcome his negative impulses led to the first murder in human history. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's commentary on Genesis 4:8 delves into the internal struggle and divine warning that Cain failed to heed.
Confession of Personal FailingsLITURGY
Confession of Personal Failings
LITURGY
The detailed confession in this prayer highlights the profound remorse and spiritual consequences of following the Evil Impulse. This prayer from the Yom Kippur Machzor is recited during the candle lighting ceremony, marking the beginning of the Day of Atonement.
Conquering Your ImpulsesCOMMENTARY
Conquering Your Impulses
COMMENTARY
True might is demonstrated by conquering one's own impulses, rather than relying on external factors or defeating others. The Maharal of Prague, in his commentary on Pirkei Avot, a work of ancient rabbinic ethics and wisdom from the land of Israel, emphasizes the intrinsic nature of true might, aligning with Jewish values of self-improvement and inner strength.
Achieving Balance Through ExtremesHALAKHAH
Achieving Balance Through Extremes
HALAKHAH
To overcome negative traits, one must practice the opposite extreme behavior until achieving a balanced, middle path. In his famed 12th-century code of Jewish law, Mishneh Torah, Maimonides (Rambam) offers a method for refining one's character through deliberate practice and moderation.
The Greater Challenge of Self-RestraintMIDRASH
The Greater Challenge of Self-Restraint
MIDRASH
The challenge of abstaining from permissible actions is greater than abstaining from forbidden ones. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, highlights the moral integrity of biblical figures like Joseph and Moses.
Harnessing Willpower Through RitualsCOMMENTARY
Harnessing Willpower Through Rituals
COMMENTARY
Jewish rituals like keeping Shabbat can help develop willpower and impulse control, aligning with modern neuroscience in overcoming bad habits and addictions. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his work on weekly Torah insights, explores how these rituals foster self-discipline and personal freedom.
The Deceitful HeartTANAKH
The Deceitful Heart
TANAKH
The human heart is inherently deceitful and difficult to understand. Here the prophet Jeremiah laments the corrupt nature of the human heart and its inscrutability.
The Detrimental Effects of AngerKABBALAH
The Detrimental Effects of Anger
KABBALAH
Anger can lead to the departure of wisdom, an increase in folly, and a multitude of sins. Rabbi Chaim Vital’s 16th-century Kabbalistic ethical work, Sha'arei Kedusha, emphasizes the importance of refining one's character and controlling impulses.
The Power of DecisionCHASIDUT
The Power of Decision
CHASIDUT
A strong will and decisive action are crucial in overcoming impulses and achieving one's goals. Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira’s early 20th-century work, Chovat HaTalmidim, emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and inner strength.
Mastering Your ReactionsMUSAR
Mastering Your Reactions
MUSAR
Managing one's impulses, especially anger, is crucial for personal growth and ethical conduct. The 15th-century ethical work, Orchot Tzadikim, offers timeless advice on self-restraint and the careful management of anger.