Daf Yomi, Marriage Counseling, Psychotherapy, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Torah and Psychology
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph tells us that Eliyahu Hanavi was supported by ravens who brought kosher meat from King Achav’s kitchen while he was a fugitive hiding out, as a wanted man for “anti-state activities.”
Ben Yehoyada here observes the irony, that while Achav was trying to capture and kill Eliyahu, his own food was supporting him! He draws a parallel to how Pharaoh was trying to eliminate every male Israelite born so as to preemptively assassinate the prophesied savior. Yet, his own daughter rescues Moshe and he grows up right in his palace.
On a simple level, we can say this is how God shows His miracles and His omnipotence. Just in the place that it seems most impossible, it becomes possible. However, there may be a deeper idea operating. The potential for evil is equally matched by the potential for good.Deeper within the problem is the solution. Pri Tzaddik (Miketz 4) says it is not an accident that the greatest miracles in history occurred in Egypt, the country known for its potent sorcerers (Menachos 85a.) He also notes that Babylonia, which was an epicenter of scientific mastery in the ancient world and a leader in math and astronomy, was also the epicenter of the Talmud.
We see that in the depth of difficulties there is hope and an equally balanced opportunity for redemption. Not only that, but also the problems themselves may hold the keys for the solution. In Egypt the perverse spiritual power of sorcery was also a consciousness that allowed for the channeling of holy spiritual manifestation from God. Pharaoh’s and Achav’s obsession with destroying their enemies came from an intuition and rejection of some calling and potential within themselves which they did not have the moral courage to face. Instead they projected their fear and loathing onto their nemeses.
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Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation
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Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, LMFT, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com