Dvar Torah for Parshat Bereishis

Based on Sefer HaMidot, Niuf 1:10

"Don't get into a discussion with your tempter. Thinking too long about something – even how negative it is – strengthens your desire for it and makes you actually want it."

Adam, after he was confronted by God, responded, " The woman You gave me, to be with me - she gave me v'okheil (I will eat; Genesis 3:12). Even though Adam had heard from God Himself the command not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge he now told God: I'm going to eat more!

The "tempter" that the Rebbe refers to is sometimes internal and sometimes external. The internal tempter is sometimes the voice of rationalization explaining to you all the benefits of abandoning a mitzvah. Sometimes he is the voice of extremism shouting that some trait, belief or action is despicable. Sometimes he wants you to "be like God" (Genesis 3:5). Why not make your own rules?

The external tempter is always your friend and always has your best interest at heart. He wants you to be wealthy and well-informed, successful. Why do you have to deny yourself business opportunities by observing Shabbat? Why can't you be a bit flexible and eat just one meal in a non-kosher restaurant? But the result is the same: You eat the forbidden fruit.

The external tempter is also always very persuasive. Many a new-comer to Judaism (and plenty of old-timers, as well) has been caught flat-footed and tongue-tied when trying to respond. But, ignorance never won a debate. So, don't get into a discussion with him.

There are answers, for both tempters. But not always are we able to come up with them (see Likutey MoHaran I, #64). And, as the Rebbe points out in the story "The Master of Prayer," many arguments for alternate lifestyles contain an element of truth. This makes them attractive, on one hand, but also camouflages their flaws and distortions, on the other. This makes it well-nigh impossible to withstand them (Rabbi Nachman's Stories pp. 313-14). So, don't get into a discussion with him.

No, we aren't advocating sticking your head in the sand. Rather you must be aware of your personal limitations and you must be prepared. You must know your halakha (Jewish law) so that no matter how tempted you may be, you won't "eat" any "forbidden fruit." You must know that even if an answer to an intellectual attack is not immediately available to you, it exists, and that philosophical/theological challenges are not new to Judaism. If we maintain our practices and our faith with sincerity, we will ultimately eat from both, the Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life.

agutn Shabbos!
Shabbat Shalom!