„If the bodily disposition darkens the world, if it defiles the noble…”
„If the bodily disposition darkens the world, if it defiles the noble purity of life, let him not be dismayed nor terrified; he will do his part, the soul will roam in its greatness as befits it, and the coiling of the serpent will not diminish the courage of the spirit, but will even magnify it, and by stratagems you shall wage your war.”From Shemonah Kevatzim, V, 282
In Tractate Berachot it is said that when a person is praying the Amidah, even if a serpent (that is not venomous) is coiled around his heel, he should not stop.
Rav Kook interprets the matter as a parable for various situations in our lives.
Even in situations where we feel that the body is holding us back, whether because of sin or because of illness, we must continue and enlarge our spirit.
The body will try to pull downward, and the spirit will give the power of its flight and try to elevate us.
The place that tries to pull us down will not cease, but the more we increase courage, the more we draw near to the Holy One, the more we will succeed in ignoring that place and rising above it.
Many times there is a feeling of hypocrisy among people who struggle in life: if I have sinned, how can I pray? How can I perform commandments? Surely this is hypocrisy...
Rav Kook says: this is not hypocrisy, it is part of life's struggle, and a person must enlarge his spirit when the serpent of sin and difficulty is coiled around his heel. Thus, God willing, we will succeed in shaking off this serpent.
Take these words toward Rosh Hashanah. Pray strongly. Even if you are not perfect.
Have a good week.
In memory of Yisrael Shalom ben Rivka.
From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.