“We spend our time worrying about our physical well being, and the state of our neighbor’s soul. Better we should spend our time worrying about our neighbor’s physical well being, and the state of our own soul.”

-Rabbi Israel Salanter

Soul carried to Heaven by William Bouguereau

This pithy statement from Rabbi Salanter needs little commentary. How often do we get our priorities confused, worrying about the truly unimportant things, and the things we have the least influence over?  Though closely related, in many ways  my own internal state is more important than my outer physical state, and in any case, I always have greater influence on my soul state than my physical condition. I may get sick, have a fall, go hungry, and certainly age and die. All of it is beyond my control in most cases. But my internal condition, regardless of external circumstances, is in my own hands. In any moment I can choose to be angry or  calm, agitated or at peace, even in spite of trying situations and times.

And as far as my neighbor goes, trying to “save her soul” is a fool’s errand. But I can easily make sure she has enough food to eat, clothes to wear, medicine when ill, and comfort and company in difficult straits. This is where the leverage is, my realm of influence. My internal condition, and my neighbor’s external condition, is where I can make a difference, every day, every week, every month, every year.

“Love your neighbor as yourself, I am G!D” is smack dab in the middle of the books of Moses, the Torah. I love the juxtaposition of the phrases- it’s like saying, “Take care of each other. I’m G!D. Any questions?”

How best today, can you care for your soul AND your neighbor’s well being?

-JL

Rabbi Yisroel ben Ze’ev Wolf Lipkin, also known as “Yisroel Salanter” or “Israel Salanter” (November 3, 1810, Zhagory – February 2, 1883, Königsberg), was the father of the Musar (ethical living) movement in  Judaism and a famed Rosh yeshiva and Talmudist.

Joe Laur is a father, husband, artist, builder, naturalist, consultant, and EcoKosher mashgiach. He lives with his wife Sara in western Massachusetts, where he serves as head groundskeeper and resident singer songwriter. Send him your favorite teaching quote for commentary. He can be reached at joe.laur@joelaur.com.