The Dangers of Anger in Judaism: Why Rage Is Compared to Idol Worship

In the Zohar we are taught about the damages caused by anger (Parashat Tetzaveh, 182): “A Jew who becomes angry uproots from himself the holy, divine soul that he received from the Creator, and replaces it with the forces of the sitra achra (the other side of impurity). Such a Jew rebels against his Master, the Holy One, and is called ‘one who tears his soul from within him,’ placing it in the domain of an alien god. He is therefore considered as if he is worshiping idols. Anyone who speaks with him in the moment of his anger is considered to be connecting with idol worship itself, for actual idolatry rests upon him. It is even forbidden to look upon his face in that hour of rage, as it is said: ‘Do not turn to idols’ (Vayikra 19:4).

While every other impurity can be purified, anger is different — for one who succumbs to anger defiles his body inside and out, and his entire soul becomes impure. Even if the angry person later tries to repair his ways, to uproot the impure soul that entered him and to draw back the holy soul, it is uncertain if he will succeed, for once the divine soul is torn away, immense effort is required to bring it back.”

Rabbi Chaim Vital on Anger

Rabbi Chaim Vital, the primary disciple of the holy Arizal, also wrote in Sha’ar Ruach HaKodesh (p. 12): “My teacher (the Arizal), of blessed memory, was extremely strict regarding anger, more than any other sin — even anger ‘for the sake of a mitzvah.’ He explained that all other sins damage only one limb of a person’s soul, but anger damages the entire soul completely and replaces it with another… Furthermore, if a person has merited that through a great mitzvah, the soul of a righteous sage comes to assist him (a concept known as ibur neshamah), then when he becomes angry, that holy soul immediately departs. 

Additionally, anyone who is given to anger can never attain ruach hakodesh (divine inspiration) all his life, even if he is righteous in every other way, for his anger constantly destroys what he builds. Even when I (Rabbi Chaim) would become upset at my brother for not understanding my Torah teaching, my master warned me never to grow angry — not even for matters of Torah.”

The Talmud echoes this: “Whoever becomes angry is overtaken by all forms of Gehenna (hell)” (Nedarim 22a).

Why Anger is So Destructive

The Midrashim explain that there are many types of punishments for different sins, but the angry person transgresses so many in one moment that he risks them all. In anger, one loses reason entirely — he may lash out, embarrass others publicly, reject faith in God, or even commit violence.

Anger leads a person to actions he will later regret such as words spoken in fury, broken relationships, or even violence. Many adults carry emotional trauma simply because they grew up in an atmosphere of parental rage, and unconsciously repeat that same pattern in their own lives.

The Physical and Emotional Toll of Anger

Jewish wisdom and modern science both agree that anger harms the body as well as the soul. Frequent anger can trigger heart attacks, high blood pressure, ulcers, blood sugar imbalance, depression, and ultimately shorten a person’s life.

In contrast, the patient person who holds back anger, lives with peace of mind, which strengthens both body and soul. Studies have shown that those who live the longest tend to live with calmness and joy.

Social Consequences of Anger

The angry person becomes difficult to live with. Spouses and family members fear his eruptions, and friends distance themselves. Eventually, he is left isolated, unwanted, and even despised. The patient person, however, is beloved, pleasant to be around, and draws others close to him. Even non-Jews recognize this truth, offering courses on anger management and emotional control.

The Power of Restraint – “Suspending the World on Nothingness”

The Book of Iyov (Job 26:7) says: “He suspends the earth upon nothingness.” The Talmud (Chullin 89a) explains that the world endures in the merit of the Jew who restrains himself at the moment of conflict.

How many times have we regretted words spoken in anger? If only we had paused for a moment before replying, situations would have unfolded more peacefully. Entire families have collapsed due to uncontrolled rage, and words that can never be taken back.

A Story About the Dangers of Anger

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef would often tell this story to illustrate the destructive consequences of anger:

There was once a Jew with a fiery temper who owned a cement truck. On his birthday, his wife wanted to surprise him with a new car. She parked it in his private driveway before he returned home.

When he arrived and saw an unfamiliar car parked in his space, his fury erupted. Without thinking, he emptied the entire load of cement from his truck onto the “offending” car — only to discover a moment later that it was the brand-new car his wife had lovingly bought for him.

Anger is not a small flaw. In Jewish thought, it is likened to idol worship, drives away the divine soul, harms the body, damages relationships, and destroys lives. Patience and restraint not only protect us, they uphold the entire world.