Let’s be real: the yetzer hara (evil inclination) is like that annoying app notification that keeps popping up right when you're trying to get stuff done. Whether you're deep in prayer, studying Torah, or just trying to keep your spiritual life on track, the yetzer hara is always there, ready to distract you with the mental equivalent of "Did you leave the stove on?"
Pirkei Avot 4:1 gets right to the heart of it, saying that the real superhero is the one who subdues his evil inclination. Forget about those Marvel heroes taking down entire cities; ruling your own spirit? That’s where the real power lies. But how do we actually manage to control this inner force that’s constantly trying to lead us astray?
Let’s flashback to Genesis for a minute. In Genesis 6:5, the Torah doesn’t mince words: “Adonoy saw that man’s wickedness had increased on the earth, and that every inclination of his heart was only for evil, all day long.” Yikes. That’s some heavy stuff. But even in the midst of this, the Torah hints that we’re not powerless. Genesis 8:21 follows up with a bit of reassurance, reminding us that while the inclination of man’s heart is evil from youth, it doesn’t mean we’re doomed to follow it.
And here’s where things get really interesting. Our sages weren’t naive; they knew the yetzer hara isn’t all bad. Bereshit Rabbah 9:7 even suggests that the evil inclination is necessary for things like building a house, getting married, and engaging in business. Without it, we might just sit around all day, never taking any action. So, while the yetzer hara might be the bad guy, it’s also the reason we get off the couch and do something with our lives.
But just because the yetzer hara can be useful doesn’t mean we should let it run the show. In fact, the Torah and our sages give us some pro tips on how to keep it in check.
First off, there’s the power of Torah study. Kiddushin 30b tells us that the Torah is the antidote to the yetzer hara. Imagine it like this: the Torah is your spiritual workout routine, keeping your soul fit and ready to fend off any sneak attacks from your evil inclination. It’s like the original self-care, but instead of bubble baths and face masks, you’re diving into some Gemara.
Now, if Torah study is like your daily workout, then prayer is your mental detox. Berakhot 61a brings up a great visual, comparing the yetzer hara to a fly that buzzes around the two entrances of the heart. Just like a pesky fly, the yetzer hara is always trying to get in. But here’s the catch: we have control over which "door" we let it through. Keep those doors shut with some heartfelt prayer, and you’ve got a winning strategy.
And speaking of winning strategies, our sages were also all about finding practical ways to deal with the yetzer hara in everyday life. Take, for example, the advice in Berakhot 5a: when the yetzer hara starts acting up, channel that energy into something positive, like Torah study or acts of kindness. It’s kind of like giving your yetzer hara a timeout, redirecting its energy into something that actually benefits you and those around you.
But what if you’re in the middle of something mundane, and the yetzer hara starts whispering in your ear? Exodus 15:26 gives us a clue: it’s all about being attentive to the mitzvoth and keeping a clear focus on what really matters. The yetzer hara loves to attack when you’re bored or distracted, so staying engaged in meaningful activities is like keeping your mind on a spiritual leash. Don’t let it wander off into the wrong neighborhood!
Of course, the yetzer hara doesn’t always come at you with obvious temptations. Sometimes, it’s sneaky, trying to turn your own good intentions against you. Berakhot 61a tells us that the yetzer hara isn’t just out to make you sin—it’s also there to make you doubt, hesitate, and overthink. It’s like the ultimate gaslighter, making you question your every move. The best response? Stick to your guns. If you know something is right, don’t let the yetzer hara talk you out of it.
At the end of the day, the yetzer hara is a formidable opponent, but it’s not unbeatable. The Torah, our sages, and countless generations of Jews have given us the tools we need to win this inner battle. From Torah study and prayer to practical daily strategies, we’ve got a full arsenal to keep the yetzer hara in check. So next time it comes knocking, just remember: you’ve got this. And if all else fails, just tell it to take a hike while you dive into some more Torah. After all, there’s nothing the yetzer hara hates more than a well-informed Jew!
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.
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