In Jewish mysticism, specifically in the teachings of Baal HaSulam, this struggle is understood as the tension between our "animal" desires and our higher, spiritual selves. And the key to resolving that tension? Engaging with the deepest secrets of the Torah.

Baal HaSulam, in his introduction to the Zohar (that foundational text of Kabbalah!), gives us a powerful image. He tells us that by delving into the mysteries of the Torah and understanding the reasons behind the mitzvot (commandments), we begin to purify the "animal" aspects of our ratzon l’kabel – our "desire to receive." It's like we're slowly refining ourselves, chipping away at the rough edges to reveal something more precious underneath.

And what is that precious something? It's the point of our Neshama, our soul.

Now, the Neshama isn't just some vague, ethereal concept. According to Baal HaSulam, it's enclothed within us, gradually being built up within the framework of our 248 limbs and 365 ligaments. Think of it like scaffolding being erected around a central point of light. With each act of purification, with each moment of genuine connection to the Torah's wisdom, that scaffolding becomes stronger, more complete.

When we achieve a certain level of completeness, when that scaffolding is fully formed, the Neshama transforms into a Partzuf. Partzuf literally means "face" or "countenance," but in Kabbalah, it refers to a complete spiritual configuration, a fully realized aspect of the divine. It's like the potential within us finally coming into its own.

And here's where it gets truly mind-blowing.

This newly formed Partzuf can then rise and enclothe the Sefira of Bina in the spiritual world of Asiya. Okay, let's unpack that a little. The Sefirot are the ten emanations of God's light, each representing a different aspect of the divine. Bina is associated with understanding, intuition, and the feminine principle. Asiya, on the other hand, is the lowest of the four spiritual worlds, the world of action and manifestation.

Why is this enclothement of Bina so important? Because Bina is infinitely purer than the vessels of Tiferet and Malkhut, two other Sefirot, which are also known as TuM. As a result, it can transmit a much greater light from Ein Sof – the Infinite, the ultimate source of all existence. This light is called the light of Neshama, and it's the ultimate goal of our spiritual journey.

But it doesn't stop there! Baal HaSulam goes on to explain that everything in the world of Asiya that's attributed to the level of Bina—the inanimate, the plant, and the animal—serves and assists our Partzuf of Neshama. Everything around us is participating in this process, helping us to perfectly receive the light from Bina. It's a truly interconnected and supportive universe.

It's a complex system, but the underlying message is clear: we have the power to transform ourselves, to purify our desires, and to connect with a higher level of consciousness. And by doing so, we can not only elevate ourselves but also contribute to the healing and transformation of the entire world. What do you think of that?

Now, remember, Baal HaSulam delves much deeper into the "lights of the soul" elsewhere in his writings, so this is just a taste. But it’s a taste of something truly profound. It makes you wonder, doesn't it? What "animal" aspects within us are we ready to purify? What deeper connection to the Torah can we forge? And what light of Neshama might we be able to receive?