The Chai Times #23

Jan 28, 2022 2:30 am

Did you know that you are responsible for your ox's damage?

In this week's portion the Torah teaches us that a person is responsible to pay for the damages of their animal. One category pertains to a goring ox. If it gores once or twice, the owner is only responsible to pay for half of the damage. The reason is that it is considered unusual for an ox to gore. The ox is considered a tam, “innocent,” and therefore the owner is only partially liable because they did not anticipate that his “innocent” ox would gore.

If, however, the ox gores a third time, then the owner is responsible to cover the full costs of the damage, since this animal has now shown a habit of goring. The animal is a muad, “warned,” and the owner is expected to be aware and guard the animal more carefully.

This was an important law for people living in the ancient world. But what about us living in the 21st century? What can we learn from the law of the goring ox?

The kabbalists explain that within each person there are two souls, the G‑dly soul and the animal soul. The animal soul is the selfish aspect of the personality, but it’s not necessarily destructive. If it does case harm we assume its an exception, not the rule. Yet once the animal soul develops a habit of destruction, it become very difficult to rectify.

So the first lesson is to recognize the power of destructive habits and to prevent ourselves from falling into negative behavior patterns. Don't let yourself become a muad.

There is a curious addendum to this law. If the ox became a 'muad' and was then sold to a new owner it reverts back to 'tam' status. How can a simple sale have such a strong affect?

A single negative habit is very difficult to change in isolation. The way to change a bad habit is to change the environment. An animal develops bad habits while living in a specific setting, since various elements of the space trigger the behavior. The moment the animal is placed in a different environment, the triggers are no longer present, and the animal can develop new patterns of positive behavior.

If the internal animal is getting out of hand, you can try to muster the willpower to control the animal. You may or may not be successful. Or, you could take the holistic approach. Change the environment; surround yourself with positive people and spiritual experiences. The old triggers will fall away, new patterns will emerge, new habits will take hold.

Place yourself in a holy environment.

(adapted from here)

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom, have an uplifting week! Looking forward to celebrating together!

Rabbi Mendy & Mussy

p.s. As always, we would love to chat with you over coffee or drinks, about Judaism, or just life - simply reply to this email.