Dangerous Imagination (Bereshit)

People are distracted by objects of desire, and afterward repent of the lust they’ve indulged, because they have indulged with a phantom and are left even farther from Reality than before. — Rumi

‘Eve with the Snake’ (AI image by author)

In the famous biblical account, at the beginning of the Book of Genesis, the serpent in the Garden of Eden convinces Eve to ignore God’s command and entices her to eat from the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and bad. Eve then persuades Adam to partake of the fruit. Their eyes are suddenly opened, and they realize that they’re naked. Filled with embarrassment, they cover themselves up and then attempt to hide from God. God confronts Adam, Adam blames Eve, Eve blames the serpent. God punishes all three of them, and their descendants, forever.

Rabbi Ovadia Sforno (1475-1549) on Genesis 3:1 explains that the serpent is an allegory for the evil inclination, which is called the Yetzer Hara in Hebrew. Just as the serpent tempted Eve subtly, the yetzer hara operates in a hidden, insidious way, tempting individuals when they least expect it. In the Babylonian Talmud (Baba Batra 16), the serpent’s stealth is compared to the evil urge, which often disguises itself as harmless or even appealing.

The Sages build on this by portraying Satan as riding the serpent, illustrating how temptation manipulates imagination, leading people to justify sinful actions. What seems desirable often blinds us to the true danger it harbors. This metaphor captures how the yetzer hara exploits human weaknesses, not through direct attack, but by playing on desires, imagination and rationalizations.

The Talmud further warns that “the eyes and heart are agents of sin,” meaning that external and internal desires are frequently the gateways for temptation. As the serpent is almost invisible yet capable of great harm, so too is the evil inclination, often unnoticed yet deeply destructive.

May we recognize the subtle nature of temptation. By using reason and discipline, may we avoid being led astray by the allurements of our own dangerous imaginings.

Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom,

Ben-Tzion

Dedication

To the death of Yahya Sinwar, may his name and memory be blotted out. May all our enemies be destroyed, utterly and quickly.