There is no obligation to have a favorite biblical verse. In the Talmud, a couple of Rabbis identify favorite verses, but most do not. If I had to choose, I would select a verse from this week’s parasha, Deut. 4:9 — “Guard your soul carefully.”
This verse has grown in importance in our own day, although it was always a crucial reminder given the snares and distractions of life. I’d like to suggest three ways we need to learn to guard our souls better in this world.
1. The overemphasis on bodies. Culturally, we are worshippers of the physical. We are bombarded by diet advertising and advice, exercise regimes and health regimens, and then shamed if we do not conform to this or that standard. If it were all in service of health, it would at least be understandable. But we idealize certain body types and foist them through social media on our children. We have become so focused on physicality that the soul languishes. Seemingly all that matters is how your picture plays on social media. You cannot put your soul on Instagram.
2. The desire to win at all costs is a snare to the soul. We will not admit mistakes or regret because it disappoints our own “team” and gives aid and comfort to the “enemy.” Polarization is not about the integrity of the soul but the triumph of the ego. Each lie and omission and evasion corrodes our souls.
3. Finally, silence. In the months since October 7th, the Jewish community has been often disappointed by the silence of those for whom we raised our own voices in the past. Even some Jews have shied away from proudly proclaiming both their tradition and their solidarity with Israel. Each time you are cowed by the mob and refuse to speak what you know to be true, you are betraying the promptings of your own soul.
The Torah is a guide for life. No teaching, however wise, can guard your soul without your own care and effort. We were given but one soul as we move through this life — guard it carefully.
