The Game of Life
A young girl once came to see me. She had reached marriageable age and was wavering between marriage to a ben Torah who would spend the rest of his days in the Beit Hamidrash, or to someone who would eventually enter the business world.
Since this is such a fateful decision, affecting generations to come, I spoke with her at length. I told her, “Your innate wish is to marry a ben Torah. But you have leanings toward materialistic pleasures.” She agreed with my assessment. “Do you like playing games?” I asked. She affirmed this, as well.
“If so,” I summed up the conversation, “your hesitations indicate a sincere desire to marry a ben Torah, but it is difficult for you to give up the good times which this world has to offer. My advice would be to cut off all ties with earthliness, which pulls you away from all things holy. Only then will you truly be able to feel that you are at peace with your life choice.”
I am certain that the girl eventually decided to marry a ben Torah, for this was her true will.
How often do I meet people who are sincere in their desire for goodness, but are shackled by the chains of the Yetzer Hara! He is well aware of their good intentions and therefore does all in his power to thwart their involvement in holiness. I tell them to detach themselves from physicality and the mundane. In this manner, their inner beauty can shine forth, illuminating their path to goodness and sanctity.
