Every day we say the words “bechol levavcha.” Read literally, this means we must serve Hashem with all our hearts. Chazal explain that serving Hashem requires both of our hearts: the yetzer tov and the yetzer hara.
How do we serve Hashem with the yetzer hara? The Gemara gives us the key. Hashem created the yetzer hara. He sent it on a mission. And Hashem created the Torah as a Tavlin. Torah is the antidote or cure for the Yetzer Hara, to give us the ultimate ability to overcome its temptations. But the meforshim add a deeper layer to this Chazal. What is the message behind the word being used here to describe the Yetzer Hara? Tavlin also means spices, and this word can help us uncover even more depth in this teaching.
A spice does not discard the actual food or replace it. A spice actually brings out the best flavor. The Torah, as well, guides us in how to use our passion and our ambition for the good. When we apply the Torah, the same drive that pulls us away from Hashem becomes the strength that brings us close to Him. We stop using our energy to chase after things that will never fulfill us, and begin to experience incredibly energized Avodas Hashem. The Torah teaches us how to maximize our fulfillment by aligning us with what Hashem wants us to do.
We turn our energy toward the good, helping us actualize all the gifts Hashem gives us.
Do not lose your fire.
Give your fire a holy purpose.
Written and Composed by the Blumstein Brothers
Produced and Arranged by Mendy Portnoy
Guitars: Noam “Hargol” Burg
Backing vocals/Choirs: Mendy Portnoy & Yehuda Pinsker
