Question
Dear Rabbi,
I was listening to a freakonomics podcast about selling your soul. There was one man who throughout his life was willing to buy the soul of any atheist for $50. After many years, he finally found a seller. A paper was signed stating that the soul was purchased. It got me thinking; do Jews believe in souls? If yes, what is the Jewish view?
Sincerely,
Sold My Soul
Answer
Dear SMS,
That story is really interesting. I wonder why most atheists, who claim that there are no souls, would not sell theirs to him. Judaism believes in at least two souls; the life giving soul, a.k.a the selfish soul, and the G-dly soul that is spiritually focused, G-d focused. The selfish soul is the one who gives us drive; a will to live and an interest in making progress. The job of the G-dly soul is to educate and teach the selfish soul that a relationship with G-d is one of the most enjoyable feelings a human being can experience. So can you sell your soul? Every choice we make throughout our day and throughout our week, we have to ask ourselves “am I selling my soul?” Is what I am doing a selfish act or will it make this world a better place and/or enhance my relationship with G-d.
Enjoy the yeshiva boys this Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi