No, we're not talking about geopolitics here! We're talking about the inner landscape of the soul.
The great Kabbalist Baal HaSulam, in his introduction to the Zohar, that mystical masterpiece of Jewish thought, gives us a powerful insight. He suggests that each of us contains both an "internal aspect" – the "Israel" within – and an "external aspect" – representing, metaphorically, the "other nations."
What does this mean? The "Israel" part of us, pnimiyut, is our soul, our connection to the divine, our higher aspirations. It's the part of us that seeks meaning, purpose, and spiritual growth. The "other nations" aspect, or chizoniyut, represents our physical needs, our ego, our worldly desires – the things that keep us tethered to the material world. Think of it as the need to put food on the table, the lure of social media, the pull of instant gratification.
Baal HaSulam isn't saying that these external aspects are inherently bad. They're a part of being human. But he is suggesting that we need to be mindful of the balance. We have a choice. We can prioritize nurturing our inner "Israel," focusing our energy on spiritual growth and acts of kindness. Or, we can become consumed by our external needs and desires.
Think of the famous teaching from the Mishna in Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of the Fathers: "Make your Torah fixed and your work temporary." (Avot 1:15). It’s not telling us to quit our jobs! It's urging us to prioritize the eternal over the fleeting, the spiritual over the material. Torah, in this sense, represents our spiritual practice, our connection to something larger than ourselves. "Work" symbolizes our worldly pursuits.
When we dedicate ourselves to cultivating our inner "Israel," something remarkable happens. According to Baal HaSulam, "…his actions cause the inner, “Israel” aspect of the world to rise and ascend, while the external, “other nations” aspect of the world will recognize and respect the value of Israel."
In other words, when we prioritize our spiritual growth, not only do we elevate ourselves, but we also inspire others. Our actions create a ripple effect, influencing the world around us. When we live with integrity, compassion, and a sense of purpose, we become beacons of light, drawing others towards a more meaningful way of life. Even the more base or "external" parts of ourselves, in a sense, will then come to respect the wisdom of the "Israel" within.
So, what does this mean for you and me, today? Maybe it's a call to carve out a little more time for reflection, for prayer, for acts of kindness. Maybe it’s about being more mindful of how we spend our energy, ensuring that we're nourishing our souls as well as our bodies. It's about making a conscious effort to elevate the "Israel" within, so that it can shine its light on the world.
Because ultimately, the most profound impact we can have on the world begins with the work we do within ourselves.