Hurting Others
Q. What is sin? Kabbalists say sin is using ourselves to harm others. But this usage can be explained in different ways. For example, I can cut down a tree that is still growing and it is not a sin according to the definition in our world, although it is a sin on a spiritual level. What is your opinion about this? Why is it not considered a sin in the definition of the material world, such as cutting down a growing tree, but it is a sin in the spiritual sense and in the spiritual world?
A. Thanks for your question. I'm no expert in Kabbalah but I disagree with your premise. A sin doesn't have to hurt others; it could also hurt oneself. And it doesn't even need to hurt oneself in a physical sense; it could just hurt oneself spiritually. In short, sin is doing something that goes counter to the will of God, regardless of whether the damage caused is physical or spiritual, to oneself or to others.
I don't know about your tree example. We are not allowed to wantonly destroy things. We are allowed to use the resources of this world but not to abuse them. So the question becomes why was the tree cut down? If someone needed the lumber, that's permitted. If someone wanted to build in the spot where the tree was located, that's also okay. If someone's attitude is just, "It's my tree and I'll do what I want," that might be wanton destruction and sinful even on a material level.
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Q. Do differences and wars arise so that we can unite above them?
A. I don't think so. I think differences arise because people are stubborn and wars happen because nations want things that aren't rightfully theirs.
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Q. How can we stop hurting others?
A. Thanks for your question. If you're hurting others, the secret to stopping lies in doing an honest self-evaluation of your character traits and improving yourself. If someone has a temper, an ego, a sense of entitlement, etc., this can lead to them feeling that they deserve a certain level of treatment and, when they don't get it, those who "slighted" them had better watch out! So to stop hurting others, work on self-improvement and your consideration for others' needs will improve.
Now, if you want to get others to stop hurting people... well, that would be quite the trick! If I could answer that, I'd put it in a book and retire on the proceeds!
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Q. What is happiness?
A. Thanks for your question. I refer you to Deut. 16:14-15, which discusses the holiday of Succos ("Tabernacles"). It says:
“You shall rejoice on your festival, you and your son and your daughter, your male and your female servant, and the Levite, the convert, the orphan and the widow who are in your town. You shall celebrate to Hashem your God for seven days in the place that Hashem will choose, because Hashem your God will bless all your crops and all your undertakings, and you shall be only joyful.”
You know what we find in between those two expressions of joy? That we should share our bounty not only with the members of our households, but also with the Levites (who don't have hereditary land), converts (who don't have Jewish families celebrating the holidays) and widows and orphans (who likewise lack support systems that others may take for granted). One might eat and drink on the holiday, and that might make him happy, but true happiness comes from sharing the goodness he has been given with others, who may not be so blessed.
Rabbi Jack's book Ask Rabbi Jack is now available from Kodesh Press and on Amazon.com.