Passover speaks about the most fundamental process in a person’s life, which is the transition from an egoistic nature to a new altruistic nature that is in balance with the positive force of nature itself.

We are all created with a single force: the evil inclination, the ego, which is the desire to benefit ourselves at the expense of others. As it is written, “I have created the evil inclination.” This is human nature.

However, alongside this, we are also given a means of correction. As it is written, “I have created the Torah as a spice.” The Torah is a force, a light, a special influence that can transform our nature.

This light does not destroy the ego. It does not eliminate the evil inclination. Instead, it balances it. It adds to us an opposite force, that of bestowal, love, and connection. When these two forces of reception and bestowal exist together in us, they can be brought into harmony.

This balance is the goal.

If we only had the ego, we would remain in conflict, separation, and suffering. On the contrary, if we had only goodness without ego, we would not exist as independent beings. Life is built on the correct combination of both forces.

The wisdom of Kabbalah explains how to achieve this balance, how to attract the light that corrects us, how to add the force of love to our egoistic nature, and how to build a state of inner equilibrium.

When we reach this balance, something remarkable happens. We begin to feel a different kind of life, which is not confined to the physical body. It is as if we rise above it. The body still exists, but our perception expands beyond it. We begin to sense a wider and broader reality, an existence that is not limited by time or space.

This is what the exodus from Egypt means.

Egypt is the rule of the ego. The exodus from Egypt means acquiring an additional force, that of the Torah, the light, which enables our ascent above egoism and harmonious connection with others.

What is the result of this correction?

It is summarized in one simple principle: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This is the great rule of the Torah. When we begin to relate to others with this attitude, we create a new reality between us, a field of connection in which we discover the upper force of love and bestowal.

That is the spiritual meaning of Passover. It is the beginning of a new life, which is built on the balance between reception and bestowal, and which leads us to harmony, positive connection, and a perception of reality that is eternal and perfect.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)