5 replies to this topic

[randomhouse]

whats the difference between a nefesh and a neshama?

[Rabbi Shapiro]

whats the difference between a nefesh and a neshama?

Nefesh is "life," or life-force. Animals and people both have a Nefesh.

But only people have a Neshama. It is what connects people to Hashem, and what makes humans more than just intelligent animals. The Neshama is the part of a person that is impacted by his Mitzvos and Aveiros. And being impacted by Mitzvos and Aveiros is its purpose. When a person dies, his Neshama is what remains.

[randomhouse]

do only jewish people have a neshama?

[Rabbi Shapiro]

do only jewish people have a neshama?

Yes, but non-Jews have something else that is not the same as a Jewish Neshama, but it is what makes them humans, and puts them above animals.

[taon]

it's not all called a neshama?

[Rabbi Shapiro]

Sometimes. But that's just semantics. It's not the same thing.