This week’s Torah portion describes the intricate rituals of Yom Kippur. On this singular day, the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies five times, the only occasion in the year when such entry was permitted.

The Torah introduces these instructions by recalling the tragic passing of Aaron’s two sons, Nadab and Abihu. Why did they die? They entered the Holy of Holies unbidden, driven by a yearning to experience sublime closeness with G-d. Their intent was lofty, but they failed to wait for G-d’s summons. They went on their own initiative—and paid with their lives.

Die to Live The Talmud records a striking exchange between Alexander the Great and the sages of the Negev. He asked them, among other things, the secret to longevity. They replied, “One who wishes to live should deaden himself.” Alexander then asked, “What is the fastest way to die?” They answered, “By focusing on life” (Tamid 32a).

While Alexander seemed to grasp their meaning, later commentators struggled to explain it. The Maharsha, Rabbi Shmuel Eidels, offered a compelling interpretation: one who fixates on physical pleasure ultimately undermines their own well-being, while one who tempers such desires and pursues meaningful, spiritual goals will enjoy a longer life.

Our sages consistently warned that indulgence in physical pleasure is a losing pursuit. Desire only leads to more desire—one who has one hundred wants two hundred, and one who has two hundred wants four hundred. It is an endless cycle that drains rather than........

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