Ger in Parashat Shelach: A Kabbalistic Perspective



The narratives and teachings of the Torah embody the essence of a Torah lifestyle, providing spiritual guidance and insights into the human condition. Among the myriad characters appearing throughout the Torah, the Ger, or the "stranger living amongst the Israelites", holds a pivotal role. However, this role is frequently underappreciated in interpretations of the Torah passages, leading to a somewhat narrowed, ethnocentric interpretation primarily centered on Jewish characters and experiences.


Parashat Shelach, a significant portion from the Book of Numbers, serves as an illustrative example of this issue. The tale recounts the Israelites' destructive speech and the consequential demolition of the two Temples, symbolizing the dire consequences of division and disunity. However, a vital piece is often missing in traditional interpretations of this narrative—the role of the Ger. This omission contributes to an incomplete understanding of the story and its broader moral implications.


From the mystical perspective of Kabbalah—the esoteric tradition within Torah spirituality—a transformative event is foreseen: the return of the Ger in the End of Days. This prophecy envisages the Ger revitalizing the sacred lost sparks of Kabbalah, thus unlocking a deeper understanding of the Torah, life, and reality itself. The resurgence of the Ger is intimately linked with a reinvigoration of the depth and richness of the Hebrew Torah language, sparking a renewal of true scholarship and revealing the hidden strata within the narratives of the Torah.


Interestingly, Kabbalistic thought goes as far as comparing the relationship between the Jew and the Ger to that of Adam and Eve. This comparison emphasizes the essential complementarity and interconnectedness between these figures, mirroring the symbiosis and unity inherent in the ideal relationship between the Jew and the Ger.


This relationship dynamic forms a foundational element of the Torah's philosophical framework, and is particularly evident within the narrative of Parashat Shelach. Here, the narrative echoes the conflicts between biblical brothers such as Cain and Abel, Yacov and Esav, Yoseph and his brothers, and illustrates the challenges of relationships, but also the potential for resolution, growth, and shared understanding. These struggles and their potential resolution embody the promise of redemption—a central theme in Torah.


Recognizing and embracing the role of the Ger in Parashat Shelach, and more broadly in the teachings of the Torah, can bring us a step closer to achieving a state of unity, redemption, and holistic understanding. Recognizing the Ger as a part of the 'People of God', as mentioned in the Torah, is a crucial stride towards a future where 'Brothers dwell as one', a future symbolic of redemption and peace.


With this in mind, our aim should be to interpret and understand the Torah in its entirety, acknowledging the essential role of the Ger. This understanding, enhanced by the wisdom of Kabbalah, will enable us to establish a deeper connection with the Torah and its timeless teachings, guiding us towards a more harmonious and enlightened future.

Inspired by the article Parashas Shelach, The Ger of Everything by Rabbi David Katz (https://soulmazal.blogspot.com/2014/06/welcome-back-geezer.html)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Purpose of this Blog

The purpose of this blog is ultimately the development of a book that I am planning to write and publish. The title is Kosher Universal Spirituality, Connecting directly to the God of Israel without converting to Judaism and without Religion I believe that there is a great need for the clarification of this topic for the benefit of the people from the nations as well as Jewish people because organized religion together with the internet has caused for much confusion on this topic. The idea is to attempt to undo this confusion and to help people discover their own path of kosher universal spirituality with no conversion or religion required.  Kosher in the title has nothing to do with Kashrut, but refers to the authentic legitimate spiritual path that is in the Torah and has been there since the creation of Adam and before. You are welcome to explore this journey with me. Comments and constructive criticism are welcomed  
Read more

Introduction - Ger as the Kosher Universal Spiritual Path

Introduction to Ger as the Kosher Universal Path Ger, (poorly and wrongly translated as resident stranger), is an extremely important concept in Torah, as it emphasizes the inclusivity of this spiritual path. Ger is the individual who has made Kabbalah and committed to the yoke of Torah, joining him/herself to God, attaching him/herself to Israel, and rejecting all forms of intermediaries or shituf. This concept of Ger IS the Kosher Universal Path of the Torah-based spirituality that offers a path to connect with the Divine that is accessible and relevant to people of all nations, without the need to convert and without religion. The term "kosher" in this context does not refer to dietary laws (Kashrut), but to a spiritual path that is authentic and true to the teachings of the Torah. The term "Universal" implies that this path is open to all people, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or background. According to Torah, God chose Israel to be a light unto the n...
Read more

What humanity is truly in need of is Liberation from Religious Dependence

In the quagmire of human existence, religion has long been portrayed as a guiding light, offering solace, purpose, and community. Yet, beneath its veneer of sanctity lies a profound paradox—a trap ensnaring the minds of millions, stifling the very essence of independent thought. From the cradle, we are indoctrinated into belief systems that demand obedience and blind faith. We are taught to relinquish our autonomy, surrendering our critical faculties at the altar of tradition. But what if we dared to question? What if we dared to challenge the shackles of religious dependency? Religion, in its essence, is a construct of control—a tool wielded by the powerful to subjugate the masses. It preaches obedience and conformity, promising salvation in exchange for unwavering allegiance. Yet, beneath its façade of righteousness lies a sinister agenda—a suppression of individuality, a stifling of dissent. It is time to break free from the chains that bind us—to reclaim our autonomy, our sovereign...
Read more