Climbing Jacob's Ladder by Alan Morinis

Author:Alan Morinis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shambhala

Another way that Mussar helps us to identify soul-traits we need to work on is by directing us to reflect systematically on the actual choices we make in our daily lives. Examining those choices holds up a magnifying glass to our soul-traits in action. If we then focus on those choices that are most problematic for us, or for those around us, we will be able to develop a clear picture of the areas within us that call for greatest attention. One person’s problem might be gambling, another’s might be overeating, and a third person might have a problem making enough time for a partner or family. Wherever your own challenge might come, it will be just where your own soul is calling out for growth or healing.

Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler, a disciple of the Slobodka school of Mussar and one of the great Mussar masters of the mid-twentieth century, illustrates this truth by comparing the approaches of two people to the issue of whether or not to steal. One man is born into a family of thieves, so for him, robbery is a way of life and isn’t perceived as an ethical issue. The other is born to a strict, upright, learned family. He has never been tempted to steal, and therefore robbery is not an ethical issue for him either. And yet, each of these people will still confront areas where free will becomes a challenge, where choices have to be made. The committed thief might agonize over whether or not to shoot his way out of a jam. He would steal without hesitation, but would he murder? The honest man, on the other hand, might struggle over the amount he gives to charity or whether he is giving in the right, generous spirit. When we are able to pinpoint those places where choice becomes an issue for us, we will have identified our most crucial and vital thresholds for growth and healing.

These are called, in Hebrew, behira points, because the word behira translates into English as “free will.” The points where we are challenged will be unique to each of us, and may be located in any area of our lives, but they aren’t usually difficult to locate if we are willing to take an honest and reflective look at our own behavior and the choices we make. Where we feel or cause pain is a big clue, because, since we tend to be creatures of habit, our most important behira points are often associated with repeated problems, and they are usually problems that bring suffering to ourselves and to others.

Try it. Think back over the past couple of days and consider what decisions and choices you made. Select one incident and focus in on it. There may be some pain associated with this incident, but don’t let that make you turn away because it’s a good indication that you’ve located a soul-trait that needs work. What qualities did you bring to making that choice: were you decisive,

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