Bungle In the Jungle
6 min read
I recently experienced an aha moment at the airport. Having just returned from overseas, I passed through yet another metal detector. And then…it happened: I set off an alarm and was politely escorted aside. After a discreet but thorough body scan, I was good to go. But this brief inconvenience taught me a lasting lesson. My understanding of the Torah’s statement “Judges and officers you should appoint for yourself in all of your gates”239 was enriched by this palpable experience. I could now understand a parallel, corresponding teaching.
The verse in this week’s Torah portion contains various aspects and has in- spired many interpretations. It speaks of establishing judicial systems throughout the Land of Israel. These judges must be knowledgeable of the Torah’s laws and living by them. A praiseworthy achievement at that time, it’s even more so in ours.
My aha moment related to another aspect of this verse, pertaining to personal and spiritual growth. We each possess “entry points” through which impressions of the world around us are received. Our eyes and ears take in continuous stimuli and information. Things enter and exit through the mouth. We can learn a lesson from airport security; we need to be proactive and aware of whatever might cause spiritual harm. While the TSA is concerned with threats of physical harm, we must also be vigilant regarding threats of spiritual harm. The Torah instructs us to always be on guard against negative influences and harmful influencers. This includes threats to our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. But why? Because God created human beings with greater spiritual potential than other creations. Our Creator is aware of our vulnerabilities. God has given us personal filters through which we take in the world around us and express ideas out into the world. However, left unattended, there’s always potential harm that we may inflict upon ourselves and those around us.
Regardless of whether it’s intentional or not, the results can be the same. How many of us safeguard our computers from contracting a harmful virus, yet aren’t concerned about our own spiritual contamination? Just as we protect our valued technological devices, it’s essential to safeguard the very essence of our beings—the powerful, life-sustaining inner core: the soul. We’re charged to be the soul’s gatekeepers. What does this mean?
The first verse in Parashas Shoftim instructs us: “Judges and officers you should appoint for yourself in all of your gates.”
The term “gates” alludes to the gates of the body—the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, etc. This verse teaches us that a person should place “judges” and “police” over all his bodily gates to ensure that only positive and kosher influences enter his body.241
These “gates” represent those bodily organs that form an inter- face between a person and his environment. “You should appoint judges…in your gates” means that the senses [one’s “gates”] should be controlled by judgment from the Godly soul.
Just as a city gate is used for entry and exit, likewise ideas and influences enter into people’s minds via the eyes, ears, and mouth.
Every country has police to patrol and protect its cities. Likewise, every person is like a small city unto him or herself. The Tanya refers to the body as a “small city.” Our thoughts, speech, and actions serve as outlets and means of expression for the soul. They are the soul’s “garments.” What we think about, where we place our focus in life, and what we derive pleasure from affect who we are and who we become. Directing one’s focus to spiritual matters refines the soul, allowing it to be aligned with the Divine.
The opposite is true with exposure to coarse, vulgar stimuli. In time, one’s perceptions become desensitized. The unwholesome no longer repels or disgusts us, and the holy no longer excites or inspires us.
Our consciousness of God’s Presence in our lives becomes gradually diminished. Allowing your eyes and ears exposure to that which diminishes and degrades you spiritually is self-sabotaging. Let’s increase our efforts to safeguard our most valuable, life-sustaining possession: the soul. Imagine what your soul may be trying to tell you. Perhaps this could be the message:
Hello [your name]. This is your soul. I’ve been trying to get in touch with you, but you haven’t responded to my messages. Yes, I realize how busy you are, so this won’t take long. But please shut off your phone, so it’s just you and me. Thanks.
Basically, you’re a good person. You haven’t murdered anyone or stolen anything. But is that enough of a reason to be proud of yourself? We aren’t living up to our potential to strive for and reach elevated spiritual heights. We’ve got what it takes to accomplish more. Let’s work together as a team. We must involve our eyes, ears, and mouth equally on this team initiative. Let’s communicate throughout the day to coordinate our group efforts. I’ll be sending you daily briefings, but you need to stay in touch with me as well.
By the way, it’s come to my attention that your mouth isn’t feeling valued. You’ve been using it to gossip about others. Don’t make excuses; just come clean and take responsibility.
Now you know why I’ve been trying to reach you. We both realize that you’re much better than this—aren’t you? Use your gift of speech positively. I’m simply asking you for better quality communication. You expect that from your smartphone, and I expect the same from you.
Once again, this is your soul calling you. Please get in touch with me.
Yes, we are provided daily messages and opportunities to align ourselves with God’s higher expectations. We make a choice every moment— to move closer toward or further away from becoming our best selves.
That airport experience was an eye-opener. It helped me appreciate the importance of checkpoints and the need to create my own gatekeepers. Now I’m trying to be mindful that my eyes, ears, and speech are the means through which my soul and I interact with the world. The more that I internalize this realization, the greater is my desire to be part of the team effort. So, I’ll strive to be more aware of what I allow to enter my inner world—my “small city.” And, because I value myself and others, I’ll be cognizant that what exits my mouth positively expresses who I am and strive to be, because…that is my “sole” purpose.
