The True Destruction is Division
Why obsessing over the messenger is a trap of the Spiritual Ego.
“There is an elephant in the room regarding religious observance versus spiritual truth. Some are disappointed, some are judging. How do we reconcile this?”
The issue is not at all who keeps Shabbat or who does not keep Shabbat. Because if we enter into conflict because of this, we create Division (Pirud).
And this is exactly the dispute (Machloket) that has existed throughout all generations in the Nation of Israel. People cling to the dispute instead of doing the work they need to do.
Tens of thousands of times I have said: Do not deal with the writer. Do not deal with her life. And not with what she does.
And whoever thinks that this is what interests him— let him listen and read only the writings of those who keep Shabbat.
The true destruction of the Nation of Israel never came from a lack of observance alone. It came from the Dispute. From the clinging to “Who is Right” instead of “What is my role now?”
The foundational Book of Zohar says that the Shechinah went into exile not because of the sin alone, but because of the Separation.
And the 20th-century sage, Baal HaSulam, writes explicitly that the Spiritual Ego— the desire to be the owner of the Truth— is more dangerous because it dresses itself in holiness.
The moment the discourse moves from internal work to preoccupation with the writer— observant or not observant, Kosher or biography— separation has already been created.
In the generation of the “Heels of Mashiach,” the correction is not to add more criticism, but to stop using the Truth to build a superior identity. The Truth was given to correct the Will, not to grade souls.
Therefore, he says that if a person uses the Light to raise himself above the other, the Light itself departs, and only the shell (Klipa) remains.
“Do not deal with the writer, deal with your work.”
I return every person to their direct responsibility. Whoever finds Shabbat to be the vessel of his life— let him go to sources that hold him. Whoever finds that certain words open his heart and his work— let him go there.
This is respect for different paths within the same purpose. A boundary that says: I am not here to carry the pain of someone who chooses to enter a space that is not adapted to him.
This is the exact opposite of separation. This is the prevention of separation. Because the coercion of listening is spiritual violence no less than the coercion of observance.
Redemption will come not when everyone is the same, but when they stop demanding the other to be them.
As long as everyone does their work in truth, in humility, without drafting the Creator against their brother— the Shechinah can return and dwell. The moment Truth becomes a weapon— even if it is wrapped in holiness— we return to Exile.
So to all the disappointed ones... There are enough people writing. You are more than invited to go read where it “feels” like your “Truth.” I have said and I will say in this space: There is no coercion.
And I will not hesitate to block whoever does not respect everyone. This “Elephant in the Room” does not exist for me. Whoever has it exist for them—let them go to a place “without elephants.”
Reflect:
The Weapon: Have you ever used “spiritual truth” or “religious law” as a way to feel superior to someone else? That is the definition of the Spiritual Ego.
The Distraction: When you focus on the flaws of the teacher, what internal work are you trying to avoid?
The Choice: Ruth offers a choice: “Stay and work” or “Leave in peace.” Which one does your soul need right now?
The conversation continues (respectfully) in the comments.