Jewish Life #58. Sjemot #15: Adaptive Modes

We are all gifted with the spark of the Creator, our soul. A Divine inheritance that gives each of us the ability to become co-creators of our lives. In Judaism, the ability to choose freely the cause of our lives, is key. We are choosing how we are going to live our life.
 
One of the most important decisions a person can make from a Jewish perspective is his contribution to a better world. Man has to choose life by becoming co-creators.
 
In this week’s parashah, we do find a good example. We read: ‘The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: See, I have called by name, Betzalel, son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with divine spirit: with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge, and with all craftmanship.’ (Sjemot/ Exodus 31:1-3).
 
Rashi comments: ‘Betzalel is chosen to do My work for the Tabernacle. Knowledge (chochma) is knowledge that one hears from other people and learns. Understanding (tevuna) refers to the intellectual ability to infer things based on what one has already learned. Knowledge (da’at) meaning divine inspiration. 
 
In this week’s parashah, God informs Moses of the identity of the craftsman who will contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle and its vessels. On the one hand, this role requires to listen to the instruction Hashem gives us. It requires a very good hearing and a heart of flesh. On the other hand, this role requires knowledge, insight, and organizational talent. The latter implies self-insight and knowledge of personal strengths and talents. Without that, a meaningful contribution is excluded.
 
In modern clinical psychology, this refers to the topic of Adaptive Modes. An Adaptive Mode refers to a situation in which a person feels himself energetic and happy, in which he is flourishing. Most of the time, and in ideal circumstances, these situations take place together with others or for the benefit of others. Adaptive Modes are closely connected to a person’s talent and interests. In therapy we give these modes free rein, so that people can lead a meaningful and significant life again. This contributes greatly to recovery.
Betzalel was not only filled with divine inspiration, but also aware of his Adaptive Modes. So, knowledge, insight and organizational talent is required and the Adaptive Modes must be put in the spotlight: patients and non-patients alike. In this way man is able to contribute to a better world. 
 
The story of Betzalel and the other craftsmen is a lesson for our own Adaptive Modes and their deployment. In this Judaism knows no excuse: the deployment of all of us is demanded by the Eternal.
 
 
Click on 'previous' to read more Blogs (Klik op 'vorige' voor meer Blogs).