Weekly Dvar Torah: Sustaining One Jewish Soul – The Profound Impact of Spiritual Assistance
The concept of sustaining a Jewish soul is a deeply ingrained principle in Jewish thought and practice. According to the Mishnah, sustaining a single Jewish soul is akin to sustaining an entire world. The Frierdiker Rebbe’s response to a report of a Chossid helping another Jew in spiritual matters, reflects a deep profound understanding of this principle.
An illustrative story from the Talmud involves the Great Tana Binyamin Hatzadik, who was renowned for his righteousness and charity. As the treasurer of a social service fund, Binyamin faced a critical situation when the fund was exhausted. A woman with seven children came seeking help, and despite the fund’s depletion, Binyamin personally provided for her family. Subsequently, Binyamin fell seriously ill and was near death. The angels interceded with G-d, arguing that if sustaining one life is equivalent to sustaining the entire world, then Binyamin, who had supported eight lives, deserved to live longer. G-d granted their plea, extending Binyamin’s life by 22 years. This narrative underscores the profound merit associated with saving lives, even for someone of Binyamin’s extraordinary caliber.
The principle demonstrated here—that even the greatest righteous individual needs the merit of saving lives to sustain their own—extends beyond the physical realm. If saving a life physically is so significant, saving a life spiritually holds even greater importance.
Understanding the distinction between saving a life physically and spiritually involves examining the nature of both types of support. Physically saving a life involves tangible actions such as providing food, shelter, and other necessities. These acts, while crucial, are external and often limited to the immediate needs of the individual.
In contrast, saving someone spiritually requires a deeper engagement. It involves nurturing talents, wisdom, and the power of persuasion to guide a person closer to the service of Hashem. This type of assistance delves into the internal aspects of an individual’s soul and their relationship with G-d, making it a more profound and enduring form of support.
The Mishna teaches that Rabbi Akiva bequeathed his children with not only physical attributes such as beauty and strength but also spiritual qualities like wisdom. Physical traits often pass through a few generations, while spiritual qualities can endure and manifest through many more. This generational transmission highlights the lasting impact of spiritual influences compared to physical ones.
The distinction between external and internal attributes—between material and spiritual—illuminates why saving a life spiritually is considered more profound. Physical assistance addresses immediate needs but remains external, whereas spiritual support connects with the essence of an individual’s soul and has a more enduring effect.
The process of saving a life spiritually involves a unique connection between souls. It is not merely about the talents of the person providing guidance or the readiness of the individual receiving it. Instead, it is a soul-to-soul connection that transcends both parties, stemming from a higher, divine source. This connection reflects the essence of each soul, which is a part of G-d.
This profound connection can be understood through two Chassidic expressions: 1) A Jew recognizes G-dliness and feels the supernatural without requiring proof, and 2) A Jew neither desires nor is capable of being severed from G-dliness. These expressions reflect the intrinsic nature of Jewish existence and the Pintele Yid—the inner essence of the Jewish soul.
This essence is the source of the deep, spiritual bond that enables one Jew to ignite the soul of another. When awakening another Jew to their G-dly spirituality, it is the Pintele Yid of one that sparks the Pintele Yid of the other, leading to a profound connection and has a transformative impact.
The history of the Jewish people is a testament to this enduring essence. From Pharaoh in Egypt to modern-day challenges, the Pintele Yid has surfaced in times of adversity. Despite attempts to sever Jews from their G-dly essence, these challenges have often served to strengthen their spiritual resolve.
The question of why these trials must be so painful remains. The cry of “Ad Mosai!” — How much longer! — reflects the yearning for a time when the ultimate redemption, through Moshiach, will bring an end to suffering and fully restore the connection between Jews and G-d. Until then, the commitment to sustaining and uplifting Jewish souls remains a central and enduring aspect of Jewish life.
The significance of sustaining one Jewish soul is immense. Whether through physical or spiritual means, the impact extends far beyond the immediate. The enduring essence of the Jewish soul and its connection to G-d underscores the profound value of spiritual assistance. This commitment to saving lives spiritually not only perpetuates the Jewish people but also reflects the deepest aspects of Jewish existence.
Have a Shabbos of Connection and Influence,
Gut Shabbos
Rabbi Yosef Katzman
