Based on Likutey Moharan II, #108 and #110; Rabbi Nachman’s Wisdom #114
“The wife of Yosef’s employer had her eye on him. She said to him, ‘Sleep with me.’ He refused… She spoke to Yosef daily, but he wouldn’t listen to her… She grabbed him by his clothing, saying, ‘Sleep with me.’ He left it with her and fled outside.”
(Bereishis 39:7–12)
We all face temptations, some more frequently or intensely than others. For some, these temptations are so strong they feel like addictions. But can we overcome them? What difference does it make if we do or don’t?
Rebbe Nachman teaches that it is easier nowadays to withstand temptation than it once was. He explains that temptations are laden with kelipot (shells, forces of unholy energy). When someone overcomes a temptation, the kelipot are broken, making it easier for the next person to withstand a similar test. That is why “what was a major challenge for Yosef was a small matter for Boaz” (Sanhedrin 19b)—because Yosef overcame his test, Boaz faced less temptation and found it easier to overcome (Ruth 3:8).
Over time, as more tzaddikim (righteous individuals) overcome temptations, it becomes easier for ordinary people like us to withstand ours. “So why,” you may ask, “am I still so drawn to my favorite vice? Why do I feel so imprisoned by it, so unable to overcome my bad habits?”
You can overcome them. Someone once asked Rebbe Nachman to explain free will. “It’s very simple,” the Rebbe replied. “If a person wants—he does. If he doesn’t want—he doesn’t.” Reb Noson recorded this teaching because many people feel trapped by habits or behaviors, as if they have no free will. But this is not the case. A person always has free will, and what they truly want, they can achieve.
Of course, it helps to remind ourselves of the consequences of giving in to desire. The Rebbe once remarked, “For a little pleasure of 15 minutes, a person can forfeit both this world and the next.”
We must look back to Yosef and the other heroes of our glorious past. They cleared the way for us to a great extent. By recalling their victories, we can decide what sort of future we want—in this world and the next—and be ready to break away from temptation the next time it grabs us by the shirt.
agutn Shabbos!
Shabbat Shalom!
