Sometimes I feel like what people call a neshoma is another name for societys' rules being deeply ingrained in our conscience-like society has taught you that X is wrong, so if you're considering doing X, the part of your brain that keeps you in line with society screams "NO!" and stops you. At least that's how the word 'neshama" has always been used throughout my education and personal life. So if I really don't care about fitting in with a group, do I have a neshoma?
How do you know if you have a neshoma?
Started by
Soulrebel
, Apr 04 2012 09:05 PM
1 reply to this topic
#2
Rabbi Shapiro
-
- Administrators
-
- 1,423 posts
Member
Posted 09 April 2012 - 08:50 AM
That's not what a Neshama is.
A Neshama has nothing to do with society. It in fact has no idea what society wants or does. It is a spiritual entity that is given to every Jew (non-Jews have a spiritual entity too but it is not the same concept as a Jewish "Neshama"), that is designed to connect them to Hashem. When you do a Mitzvah, or an Avierah, it impacts on the Neshama. Mitzvos make it stronger (and closer to Hashem) and Aveiros make it smaller and weaker (and further from Hashem).
The Neshama comes from the highest spiritual place possible. It is, in a manner of speaking, a "part of Hashem". As such, it wants t return to its roots - to Hashem - and tries to pull a person in that direction. It is therefore what gives you your Yetzer Tov.
When a person dies, only his Neshama is left. And to whatever extent the person built up that Neshama when they were alive, they will enjoy being connected to Hashem when they are no longer alive.
A Neshama has nothing to do with society. It in fact has no idea what society wants or does. It is a spiritual entity that is given to every Jew (non-Jews have a spiritual entity too but it is not the same concept as a Jewish "Neshama"), that is designed to connect them to Hashem. When you do a Mitzvah, or an Avierah, it impacts on the Neshama. Mitzvos make it stronger (and closer to Hashem) and Aveiros make it smaller and weaker (and further from Hashem).
The Neshama comes from the highest spiritual place possible. It is, in a manner of speaking, a "part of Hashem". As such, it wants t return to its roots - to Hashem - and tries to pull a person in that direction. It is therefore what gives you your Yetzer Tov.
When a person dies, only his Neshama is left. And to whatever extent the person built up that Neshama when they were alive, they will enjoy being connected to Hashem when they are no longer alive.
