This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Emor, 6 Iyar, 5784, May 14, 2024, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

One of the most perplexing and mysterious tales in the Talmud relates the story of four sages who entered the mystical orchard of Kabbalah. They were Ben Azzai, Ben Zoma, Acher, and Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Akiva said to them: When you arrive at the stones of pure marble, say not, “Water, water!” The results were tragic: Ben Azzai cast a look and died; Ben Zoma looked and became demented; and Acher became a heretic. Rabbi Akiva came out in peace.

The Talmud then continues, immediately after the story: Ben Zoma was asked: Is it permitted to castrate a dog? He replied with a verse of our portion, Emor: “[Any animal whose testicles were] squashed, crushed, pulled out, or severed, you shall not offer up to the Lord, and in your land, you shall not do so.” Meaning, you are not allowed to sterilize any animal. Then they asked him about having intimate relations without blood, and how a woman can become pregnant by artificial insemination.

What is the meaning of this enigmatic tale? Why did Rabbi Akiva warn of “water water?” Why did Ben Zoma lose his mind? Why did they ask him about sterilizing a dog, and about having relations without blood? 

This class explores the history of psychological, emotional, religious and spiritual sterilization, For many people, religion is associated with some form of “psychological castration.” In their mind, to be religious, to be a man of G-d, means to be emotionally, spiritually, and sometimes even physically “hunchback”—bent over, repressed, crushed, meek, passive, obedient, docile, and personality-less. The more G-d fearing and religious, the less vibrant, lively, passionate, and ambitious. The religious personality is one of repression and submission, with low self-esteem, and blind surrender to faith. The portion of Emor came to protest this notion.

We finally explore the profound error of many who go on deep spiritual journeys, lacking the ability to fuse heaven and earth, living in the duality of “water, water.” When we create a division between our higher desires and lower desires, we are forced to repress parts of ourselves, which undermines true healing and redemption. We also discuss the Christian idea of Immaculate Conception, Vs. the story of the daughters of Lot.