The Impact of Torah and Spiritual Growth

After Adam and Eve sinned and ate from the Tree of Knowledge, Hashem cursed humanity with the curse, "By the sweat of your brow you shall eat bread." Since then, mankind has had to work and toil to acquire its bodily needs- something that was once given effortlessly. In essence, the need to work is indeed a curse. 5,784 years have passed since that day, and somehow, over generations, that curse has turned into a desirable goal that people chase after, transforming into what is now referred to as a career.

Nowadays, the question "What do you do in life?" is often the first question asked between two people who meet, and this question has become equivalent to "What is your profession?". In secular Western culture, a person's job defines the essence of his life and accomplishments, effectively defining who they are. The reason people pursue careers and seek various professional advancements is because their profession has become their personal identity. From here, the equation is simple: If they work in a more "prestigious" profession, they will perceive themselves, and be perceived by Western society, as more prestigious. Essentially, the chase after a career is a pursuit of recognition, status, and self-fulfillment based on Western cultural standards.

When one becomes more familiar with the world of Judaism, strengthens their faith, listens to lectures, and learns ethics, they gradually begin incorporating changes in their lives, beyond the observance of mitzvot. They suddenly view life differently so that what was once considered normal or accepted, now becomes falsehood. Challenges previously viewed as bad luck, become tests sent from above with spiritual purposes; personal success, transforms into Hashem sent me a blessing from the heavens. The approach and attitudes toward life change, along with one's priorities and career.

Gradually, one starts to think, What will bring me closer to Hashem? What endeavors will help me grow spiritually? What remains in this world, and what accompanies me to the next world? How do I spend my time, and what is truly worth investing in during this life?

Ultimately, money, honor, status, academic or professional success, and other similar pursuits lose their meaning. The way we once perceived them changes entirely, and spiritual values take their place.

If once we said about the girl studying for her Ph.D., "Wow...", now we say "wow" about the girl who showed immense sensitivity to her single friend in a complex situation, and noticing the beautiful qualities she has.

If once we were impressed by the guy who got a serious promotion because he worked from dawn until the wee hours, now we are impressed by the man who personally donated thousands of pairs of tefillin.

If once we harbored a slight envy (which we of course denied) towards the friend swiping his credit card freely on daddy's account, now we feel 'Kinat Sofrim' (envy among scholars) towards those who leave a real impact in the world. And towards that friend, we try to support and strengthen him.

When living a life imbued with Torah from within, when Torah becomes an internal part of us, the things that once impressed us no longer even raise an eyebrow. And if they do, perhaps it's in the opposite sense.

The Weekly Challenge

Try living this week according to more spiritual priorities. Reduce overtime at work, and dedicate the remaining time to family and Torah study.