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Kenneth Cohen

Mind and Body

The “Duties of the Heart” makes a very pointed explanation as to how we must conduct ourselves in this world.

We are referring how one should act on a physical level and how one should act on a spiritual level. It looks like a fairly simple remedy, but it requires a great deal of work.

On a physical level, the obstacle created involves overindulgences in what we might assume our bodily needs. We need to eat, drink, and sleep, in order to sustain ourselves. However, when these are exaggerated to extremes that involve unnecessary pampering, they take us away from our spiritual pursuits.

These so called needs become the major emphasis in our lives. It leads to laziness, and self absorption, that are not conducive to connecting with Hashem.

The explanation of acting correctly on the spiritual level refers to how one works on his character traits. He must not follow the ways of the rest of society

He must realize that worry, jealousy, and arrogance, are deterrents to spirituality, just as the pampering and self absorption is. If we are concerned about “looking good” in the eyes of our peers because of our competitiveness or low self esteem, we become blocked from attaining the peace of mind and contentment, that closeness to G-d affords us.

It was quite brilliant how Rabbeinu Bachye in “Duties of the Heart,” summed things up so succinctly. We would be wise to follow his sage advice.

About the Author
Rabbi Cohen has been a Torah instructor at Machon Meir, Jerusalem, for over twenty years while also teaching a Talmud class in the Shtieblach of Old Katamon. Before coming to Israel, he was the founding rabbi of Young Israel of Century City, Los Angeles. He recently published a series of Hebrew language-learning apps, which are available at www.cafehebrew.com