Understanding Moses’ Frustration and the Rock: A Blend of Zohar and Psychological Insights

Imagine this: You’re leading an entire nation through the wilderness. You’ve just been instructed directly by HaShem to speak to a rock so it will bring forth water for the people. Yet, in a moment of frustration, you strike the rock instead. That’s what happened to Moses, one of the greatest leaders of all time, and it altered the course of his leadership journey.

So what went wrong? What was the deeper significance of Moses striking the rock, and how does it relate to our own moments of frustration? Let’s dive into the Zohar’s explanation and some modern psychological insights to understand Moses’ actions, and more importantly, how we can learn from them.

What Really Happened at the Rock? The Zohar’s Spiritual Insight

The Zohar, a central Kabbalistic text, gives us a profound explanation of this moment. It tells us that Moses, in striking the rock instead of speaking to it, allowed his human emotion—his frustration—to override his trust in the divine word. The rock, the Zohar says, represents the heart of the people, and by striking it, Moses missed an opportunity to elevate the people through words of holiness.

Words have power, especially when used in service of the divine. Had Moses spoken to the rock as commanded, he would have uplifted not only himself but also the people around him. But by striking it, he missed the chance to sanctify HaShem’s name in a way that could have deeply impacted the Israelites. This act of frustration ultimately prevented Moses from leading the people into the Promised Land, symbolizing a failure to fully trust and glorify HaShem in that crucial moment.

For us Emuna Builders, this story carries an essential lesson: words, when infused with kavana (intention), can elevate those around us. But when we act out of frustration, we lose the chance to bring holiness into our interactions.

Why We Act in Frustration: Modern Psychological Insights

It’s easy to look at Moses and think, “How could he make that mistake?” But in reality, we all have moments where frustration takes over, clouding our judgment. Understanding why we act in frustration can help us learn from Moses’ experience. Let’s take a look at some psychological theories that shed light on Moses’ reaction.

Cognitive Dissonance: A Clash of Beliefs and Actions

Cognitive dissonance occurs when our actions don’t align with our beliefs, creating internal conflict. Moses believed in the power of HaShem’s word, yet his actions—striking the rock instead of speaking to it—were in direct contradiction to that belief. His frustration may have created a momentary lapse, where the dissonance between his trust in HaShem and his emotional state led to an impulsive act.

We experience this same inner conflict in everyday life. How often do we know what the right thing to do is, yet, when emotions are running high, we act out of frustration instead? Just like Moses, our frustration can cloud our ability to make decisions that reflect our highest values.

Emotional Regulation: The Struggle to Control Frustration

Emotional regulation is the ability to manage our emotions in a way that aligns with our goals. In Moses’ case, his goal was to lead the people faithfully according to HaShem’s commands. But his frustration got the better of him, leading him to act impulsively rather than with careful thought. This moment of lost self-regulation caused him to strike the rock, a decision that had lasting consequences.

For us, emotional regulation is key in our daily lives—especially in moments of stress or frustration. When we learn to pause and control our reactions, we can choose words and actions that align with our emuna and our trust in HaShem.

Behavioral Conditioning: The Pull of Old Habits

From a behavioral perspective, Moses may have been conditioned to act in a certain way. He had struck the rock once before (Exodus 17:6), and perhaps that past experience conditioned him to respond physically rather than verbally. In moments of stress, we often revert to familiar habits, even if they don’t align with what we know to be right.

How many times do we act out of habit, rather than pausing to think about what we’re truly being called to do? Moses’ moment reminds us that past behaviors can be hard to break, but with mindfulness, we can choose a different path.

Turning Frustration Into Growth: Lessons for Emuna Builders

Moses’ experience at the rock offers us valuable lessons in how to transform frustration into spiritual growth. The Zohar’s message, combined with psychological insights, shows us that frustration is a natural human experience, but it doesn’t have to define us.

Self-Determination: Finding Autonomy in Challenging Times

One theory that helps explain Moses’ frustration is Self-Determination Theory, which suggests that when we feel a lack of autonomy or control, we’re more likely to react negatively. Moses was leading a people who constantly complained, doubted, and rebelled. It’s understandable that he might have felt his leadership was being undermined, leading to frustration.

For us, the feeling of being out of control can often lead to frustration, especially in challenging situations. But we can find autonomy by choosing how we respond—by speaking words of holiness instead of acting out of impulse.

Building Emuna Through Mindful Responses

At its core, this story is about emuna—faith and trust in HaShem’s plan, even when things are difficult. Moses’ frustration clouded his trust in HaShem in that moment, leading him to act out. But for us, this is a reminder that we can strengthen our emuna by practicing mindfulness and intentionality in our words and actions.

One practical way to do this is to take a moment to breathe and reflect before responding to a situation that triggers frustration. By creating space between our emotions and our actions, we allow our trust in HaShem to guide our responses, rather than our frustration.

Real-Life Applications: Speak, Don’t Strike

So how can we apply the lessons of Moses’ story to our own lives? Here are some practical tips for turning frustration into an opportunity for growth:

1. Pause Before Reacting: When you feel frustration rising, take a moment to breathe. This simple act can help you regulate your emotions and choose your words carefully.

2. Speak Words of Kindness: Remember the power of words to elevate and sanctify. When you feel the urge to “strike” with harsh words or actions, try speaking gently instead.

3. Reflect on Past Habits: Are there moments when you’ve acted out of frustration because of past habits? Take note of these patterns, and consciously choose a different response.

4. Strengthen Your Emuna: When frustration strikes, remind yourself of HaShem’s plan. Trust that even in challenging moments, you are being guided.

What We Learn From Moses and Ourselves

Moses’ experience at the rock is more than just a story of frustration—it’s a profound lesson in emuna, emotional regulation, and the power of words. As women of the Emuna Builders community, we have the opportunity to learn from Moses’ moment and apply these lessons to our own lives.

By choosing to speak instead of strike, to regulate our emotions, and to trust in HaShem’s plan, we can transform moments of frustration into opportunities for holiness.

So, the next time frustration rises, remember Moses and the rock—and choose to elevate your words, sanctifying HaShem in all that you do.

What do you think? How have you overcome moments of frustration through emuna? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue to grow together as Emuna Builders.

This blog is in the zechut of Eden Yerushalmi, 24, of Tel Aviv, a Pilates instructor, was working as a bartender at the Nova Music Festival on October 7 when the attack began. She was held captive for over 300 days before being brutally murdered just a few days ago. On Saturday, August 31, 2024, a combined IDF-ISA force located her body and returned it to Israel. May her neshema make the highest aliyah.

In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.

Divine Study: HaShem’s Eternal Engagement with Torah and Our Sacred Partnership

The concept of HaShem studying the Torah day and night is deeply intertwined with both the narrow and broad understandings of Torah itself. At its most specific, Torah refers to the Five Books of Moses. But in its broader sense, Torah encompasses the entire body of Jewish learning, including Scripture (Tanach), the Talmud, Midrash, Halachah, the writings of the Kabbalists, the teachings of Chassidic masters, and their interpretations. These texts, traditions, and interpretations serve as a Divine blueprint, guiding humanity on how to navigate the world HaShem created for us.

In this context, HaShem’s study of Torah becomes not just a celestial act of engagement with a set of laws but a Divine interaction with the “owner’s manual” for the world. The Torah is the tool through which both HaShem and His people understand their roles, responsibilities, and relationships. Just as HaShem is said to study the Written Torah by day and the Oral Torah by night, His engagement reflects the broader scope of Torah. It encompasses all the wisdom passed down through the ages, from the ancient writings of Moses to the profound insights of the sages, Kabbalists, and Chassidic masters.

Rabbi Akiva’s interpretation of Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs), in which HaShem is likened to the Bridegroom and Israel to the bride, captures the essence of this dynamic relationship. The Torah is not merely a set of instructions; it is a living testament to the love and covenant between HaShem and His people. Just as a marriage requires constant nurturing and dialogue, so too does the study of Torah. HaShem’s involvement in the study of Torah mirrors the intimate relationship between a bride and groom, full of both revelation and mystery. The Written Torah represents the clarity and straightforwardness of HaShem’s will, while the Oral Torah symbolizes the deeper, more intimate aspects of His teachings that require interpretation and understanding.

This understanding is further enriched by Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer 46, which describes how HaShem taught Moshe the Written Torah by day and explained it by night. These explanations became the foundation of the Oral Torah, which would later be identified with the Talmud. Here, we see the day representing clarity and revelation—the fixed text of the Written Torah—while the night signifies the ongoing interpretation and unfolding meaning found within the Oral Torah. The night, with its layers of darkness, invites us into the complexity of understanding and applying HaShem’s teachings in our lives.

But HaShem’s study doesn’t stop at the Written and Oral Torah. In B. Hagigah 15b, Elijah reveals to Rabbah bar Shila that HaShem recites the teachings of the sages. This dialogue between HaShem and the wisdom of human scholars emphasizes the sacred partnership between divine and human wisdom. HaShem honors the insights of the sages, repeating their interpretations, which shows that even human contributions to Torah are eternalized in the Divine sphere. Every layer of Torah—whether it’s the Five Books of Moses or the intricate legal discussions of the Talmud—serves as a means for understanding how we, as His servants, should live in this world. The Torah is our Divine manual, guiding us through the challenges of life, and HaShem Himself engages with it to demonstrate its eternal relevance.

By engaging in Torah study, whether we are focusing on the Written Torah, the Oral Torah, or the interpretations of the sages, we align ourselves with HaShem’s will. Just as He studies these texts, so too must we, recognizing that our learning is not merely academic. It is an act of deep spiritual connection. Torah study is the bridge between the human and the divine, a living, breathing practice that transforms our understanding of the world.

The imagery of HaShem’s face being radiant like snow during the day and ruddy at night further symbolizes the duality of Torah—the light of revealed knowledge and the hidden depths of wisdom that require our engagement. It mirrors our own experience of Torah study: moments of clarity and revelation alongside periods of intense, sometimes difficult, exploration.

Ultimately, Torah study—whether by day or night—is an act of Divine partnership. The Torah is not just a static set of laws or historical narratives. It is a dynamic process of discovery and growth, for both humanity and HaShem Himself. By engaging in Torah, we are not just fulfilling a religious obligation; we are participating in a sacred dialogue that has been unfolding since the beginning of creation. HaShem’s study of Torah is a testament to its infinite nature, and our own study reflects our role in that eternal partnership.

When we sit down to learn, we are aligning ourselves with the Divine, fulfilling our role in the cosmic mission that HaShem set for us. Whether we are delving into the laws of the Written Torah, unraveling the intricacies of the Oral Torah, or reflecting on the insights of the sages, we are engaging with the same sacred texts that HaShem Himself studies. This partnership sanctifies our learning and connects us to the eternal flow of Divine wisdom that has been passed down through the generations. In this light, every moment of Torah study is not just an intellectual exercise, but a profound spiritual act that draws us closer to HaShem and His will for the world.

This blog is in the zechut of Alexander Dancyg, 75, of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was abducted from his home on October 7 and killed in Hamas captivity. His family was informed of his death on July 22, 2024; IDF forces located his body in the Gaza Strip on August 20, and he was returned to Israel. May his neshema make the highest aliyah.

In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.

Understanding Souls: New and Old in Chapter 6 of the Gates of Reincarnation by the AriZal

Chapter 6 of the Gates of Reincarnation by the AriZal delves into the fascinating concepts of new and old souls, their origins, and their significance in the spiritual landscape. This chapter invites readers to explore the intricate processes that determine how souls enter our world, their purposes, and the connections that bind them together.

The chapter begins by addressing the nature of souls, distinguishing between new and old. It notes that when the worlds were created, even the highest realm, Atzilut, came into being through a process described as back-to-back coupling. Initially, souls formed in a manner that they were not directly facing one another, indicating a sense of separation in their spiritual connections.

However, with the creation of Adam HaRishon, this process evolved. From that point forward, the souls began to emerge in a face-to-face manner, which signifies a more profound connection. This transition marks a significant change in how souls interact and engage with each other, allowing for deeper spiritual experiences.

The chapter explains that from the creation of Adam until the arrival of the Moschiach, a significant spiritual process has occurred. Souls that initially formed in the back-to-back position now have the opportunity to transform into new souls that emerge through face-to-face interactions. This indicates that souls can evolve, leaving behind their previous limitations as they enter the physical realm.

As souls descend into the material world, they often do so alongside the Shekhinah, which also comes down to dwell among them. When a righteous person focuses their intentions and performs good deeds, they can draw forth a new soul from the depths of the klipot, allowing it to rise and be renewed, emphasizing the concept that every day brings opportunities for spiritual renewal and growth.

While we currently have the ability to draw in these new souls, they primarily originate from the lower spiritual realms, specifically from the worlds of Beriah, Yetzirah, and Asiyah. However, the AriZal notes that in the future, particularly after the resurrection of the dead, even higher and more exalted souls will be revealed. These souls will stem from the world of Atzilut and will represent a state of heightened consciousness and connection to the Divine.

The chapter highlights a critical aspect of the spiritual landscape: the distinction between the types of souls allowed in the Holy Temple. Since its destruction, the higher souls from Atzilut have not been permitted to enter the sacred space, although new souls from the lower realms have. This distinction underscores the spiritual loss humanity has faced due to the absence of the Temple.

As we delve further into the text, we learn that Adam HaRishon serves as the source from which all souls branch out. He is composed of 248 organs, mirroring the 248 positive commandments of the Torah. Within Adam, there are countless sparks and fragments of souls referred to as roots of souls. Each soul is connected to a specific aspect or organ of Adam, indicating that all human souls share a common origin.

The AriZal encourages individuals to reflect on the specific root of their soul, understanding how it connects to the broader spiritual lineage that traces back to Adam. Knowing one’s spiritual ancestry can provide valuable insights into personal strengths, weaknesses, and responsibilities.

The chapter also discusses the importance of repentance, or teshuvah, for individuals, detailing eight distinct levels of teshuvah that correspond to the spiritual lineage of a person's soul. For instance, if an individual possesses a soul rooted in the world of Asiyah, their sin can disrupt the connection between Asiyah and Yetzirah. The process of repentance requires restoring that connection and regaining spiritual integrity.

These various levels of teshuvah are categorized into three lower ones related to the worlds of bi'a and five higher levels associated with Atzilut. Each level necessitates different efforts to elevate the soul and rectify past mistakes. The deeper one’s soul originates in the spiritual hierarchy, the greater the consequences of their sins and the more challenging the process of teshuvah.

Moreover, the AriZal emphasizes that the spiritual journey of one soul is often intertwined with those of others. If a soul has ancestors who share a spiritual lineage, their actions, whether positive or negative, can affect the descendant souls. This interconnectedness illustrates the profound responsibility each individual has, not only for their actions but also for the spiritual legacy they carry.

For example, if a prior generation contains souls that fell short of their spiritual potential, those consequences might ripple through to the next generation. Thus, the chapter teaches that when one soul sins, it can affect the spiritual lineage, necessitating collective healing and restoration.

In summary, Chapter 6 of the Gates of Reincarnation invites us to reflect on the profound mysteries of the soul, its origins, and its journey through life. Understanding the differences between new and old souls, the role of Adam HaRishon, and the interconnectedness of spiritual lineage can provide valuable insights into our lives and the purpose of our existence.

As we navigate our spiritual paths, let us recognize the power of our choices and the impact they have on ourselves and others. Through acts of kindness, repentance, and self-awareness, we can elevate not only our souls but also the countless sparks trapped in the klipot, contributing to the greater cosmic tapestry of creation. This journey of spiritual renewal and growth ultimately leads us closer to our divine source, enriching our lives and the lives of those around us.

This blog is in the merit of Hersh (ben Sarah) Goldberg-Polin, 23, of Jerusalem, an American-Israeli, was abducted to the Gaza Strip from the Nova Music Festival on October 7. Wounded in the attack, his left arm was amputated while he was in captivity. He was held captive for over 300 days before being brutally murdered just a few days ago. On Saturday, August 31, 2024, a combined IDF-ISA force located his body and returned it to Israel. May his neshema make the highest aliyah. Hersh was martyred on Shabbat, Simchat Torah 5784

In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.