RABBI WEIN UNDERRATING TEMPTATION

If there is one lesson that is obvious in studying these few parshiyot that constitute the beginning of our yearly Torah reading it is that temptation and human evil instincts are not easily overcome. They should certainly not be ignored. From the story of Adam and Chava in the Garden of Eden through the stories of Cain and Abel, Noach and his grandson, Canaan, the building of the Tower of Bavel, the fourteen year war of the five kings against the four kings and the behavior of Lot in choosing residence in Sodom over the company of Avraham it seems clear that the evil instinct is usually triumphant in human affairs. It is clear to parents and teachers how difficult it is to raise moral and gracious children and students. This is not a new problem particular to our times - and iPhones. It has always been difficult to do so. King Solomon taught us that “there is nothing new under the sun.” The Torah itself testifies to the fact that “the nature of human beings is evil from the inception of youth.” So the problems that affect the world constantly are personal and not institutional. The problems that arise regarding religious observances and children at risk, etc. are personal and individual – and relate to those children who are tempted obviously by the glitter of the sin that rules the outside world. Though schools and teachers, yeshivot and mentors are far from perfect – they also are only human beings. Changing curriculum, institutions and even personnel is not a guaranteed panacea.