Two children were once looking up at the tree branches that stretched out overhead. They argued over the name of the tree to which the branches above belonged, later realizing that while the branches overlapped each other and may have seemed similar against the sky; their respective trunks were firmly rooted in different places on the ground.
The prevalence of the Torah’s truth, and the way it permeates the world Hashem created, makes it nearly impossible to explore the world without bumping into it.
As such, modern psychology and, Lehavdil, Torah may overlap at many junctures; many techniques and theories found in modern psychology mimic divine Truths and Mitzvos found in the Torah.
One can argue: what then is wrong with modern psychology? Shouldn’t a Jew be allowed to study it and apply (only) those techniques that are also found in the Torah?
The answer is in the trunk.
True, their branches overlap and can even be mistaken for belonging to the other tree. However, their unshakable trunks are firmly rooted in totally different places. They are very different from one another… Completely different.
***
The starting point from which modern psychology embarks on its exploration of Life is the Me.
Everything is a means to an end that either promotes, protects or must be comfortable for Me. Even noble endeavors such as doing kindness or engaging in a healthy relationship is a means to give fulfillment and purpose to Me. Me engages the world around him and contributes to society, so that Me feels accepted, accomplished and happy.
Me needs to preserve himself and look out for himself by stating his needs, setting boundaries and standing up for his rights. Me needs to have his feelings validated, and must get over his issues so that Me can feel at peace with himself.
Me cannot engage in a healthy relationship until Me has figured out his needs and wants – only then does Me begin looking for a compatible companion who will further enhance Me’s experience in life... Any deviation from this plan spells disaster, and the relationship must be terminated.
... and so forth.
Me needs to preserve himself and look out for himself by stating his needs, setting boundaries and standing up for his rights. Me needs to have his feelings validated, and must get over his issues so that Me can feel at peace with himself.
Me cannot engage in a healthy relationship until Me has figured out his needs and wants – only then does Me begin looking for a compatible companion who will further enhance Me’s experience in life... Any deviation from this plan spells disaster, and the relationship must be terminated.
... and so forth.
***
The starting point from which the Torah directs a Jew to explore and navigate Life in Hashem’s world is the Tafkid: serving Hashem with everything He has given us.
Everything centers around Hashem and our Tafkid to serve him.
True, to the casual observer, it would seem that a Jew does the same actions as Me does. But a closer look will reveal that a Jew has a truly nobler directive; a loftier purpose: Serving Hashem. He is not here to serve Me. He does not entertain Me’s agenda, and so, even the seemingly similar-to-Me's thoughts speech and actions that the Jew engages in serve and promote his higher purpose:
A Jew enjoys Hashem’s world when and because Hashem wants him to.
A Jew does good because it is a Mitzvah.
A Jew may even need to set limits and boundaries, or share his feelings with someone else... but he does so only if and when it is necessary in order to preserve his ability to keep serving Hashem and stay focused on his Tafkid.
***
The Jew and Me may truly do the very same actions, but a Jew’s starting point and focus transcend Me and Me's desires. His trajectory and destination therefore transcend the mundane and stagnant world to which Me limits himself.
Their branches overlap, but their trunks are rooted in different places…
Thank you for this post.
ReplyDeleteGranted Torah and the modern world have different hashkafos, I have two questions, though:
1. modern psychology works. and for my family it has been a lifesaver. what about that? does that mean I have to stop using these techniques?
2. what do I or someone else do in the meantime?
Thank you for your comment.
DeleteYour questions are great because they pertain to the actual, practical, day to day running of a home.
Please stay tuned for coming post(s) that will elaborate and address your questions.