August 27, 2022 / 30 Menachem Av, 5782 • Parshat Re'eih
Issue 732
Dedicated in loving memory of Mrs. Miriam Friedman

If your brother, son of your mother; your son; your daughter; the wife of your embrace; or your friend who is as your own soul incites you in secret, saying, "let us go and worship other deities, which neither you nor your fathers have know."

Deuteronomy 13:7


Allegorically, all relations mentioned in this verse are aspects of our on personalities -- our intellect and emotions. Although we must make full use of our intellect and emotions in our spiritual life, we must be aware of their potential to lead us astray. The only attribute of ours that we can unhesitatingly rely upon to keep us true to our Divine selves is our fundamental bond with G-d. This fundamental bond expresses itself as our unconditional commitment to G-d's purposes and agenda, regardless of what our intellect or emotions might be whispering in our ear at any particular moment.

When we strengthen this fundamental commitment to G-d, we can we be assured that our intellect and emotions will never be enticed to lead us astray. On the contrary, they will only aid us in enhancing our connections to G-d, the ultimate source of all truth.

—from Daily Wisdom