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Shabbat Parashat Nitzavim 5775Ein Ayah: Tranquil Spirituality Allows for Physicality(condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 2:68)Gemara: That which [Yirmiya lamented], “I am separated from goodness” (Eicha 3:17), Rav Abba says is referring to [the lack of] a made bed and an adorned wife for talmidei chachamim (Torah scholars). Ein Ayah: The content of tranquil, complete life is able to accommodate a harmony between the highest spiritual aspirations and natural interests. In such circumstances, even men who are whole-heartedly dedicated to wisdom and sanctity will be able to seamlessly incorporate into a well-designed life all the enjoyment that a person can have within a life of well-measured sanctity. This will not detract from his process of spiritual elevation or his love and dedication to Torah study. This is because when his spirit is in a state of tranquility, it is possible to give every element its proper measure. Then, even those physical desires that arguably detract from spiritual growth actually complement it. That is why all the goodness in the world, with pleasures that excite one’s heart, is promised to It is true that a talmid chacham is expected to lovingly study with such diligence as to limit the great desire for sleep. However, in healthy situations, he will want that the little sleep that he has should be in a properly arranged bed. His dealing with abstract truths also will not kill his heart’s desire for the type of things that are appropriate for one who is complete in body and spirit. The pleasure that he will have when he spends time with the wife that Hashem granted him will put him in the best frame of mind when she is well dressed and adorned. This reaction is not minimized by his envelopment in Torah wisdom, contrary to popular belief. All the above is when When we see this deprivation from the physical good of the talmidei chachamim, we will recognize the internal wound that exile has inflicted upon us, especially on the greatest among us. In this unnatural state, spirituality and physical enjoyment indeed do serve as counter forces. Physicality stunts spiritual growth, and spiritual growth removes one from physical enjoyment. This is not fundamental, as the Torah combines the world’s pleasures. Rather, exile ruins the workings of healthy life. The poisonous impact of unnatural life that depresses the nation’s spirit does not allow gathering together distant elements of life in a proper order. Then, only by distancing physical desires will it be possible to hold on to a remnant of scholars, who will merit being those who toil in Torah and wear its crown, thereby preserving the connection to Torah of the nation. Top of page
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