Daf Yomi, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Torah and Psychology, Marriage Counseling, Psychotherapy
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the requirement, option, or permissibility of a Kohen to pay into the half-shekel that supported the community sacrifices. The Kohanim had a proof text that argued they should not even be allowed to contribute:
There is a requirement that every sacrifice of a Kohen be completely offered on the altar (Vayikra 6:16). They argued that if so—and they would have a share in the sacrifice—the weekly bread on the Shulchan, as well as the bread offering on Shavuos, would be rendered impermissible to consume.
Ultimately, their argument is rejected.
The Rogotchover says this shows that a tzibbur—a congregation—is not just ten individuals, but something greater and distinct from its parts. This is how the Kohanim can participate in the community sacrifices without triggering the clause that it must be fully consumed on the altar.
The power of congregation is deeply entwined within Judaism. For example, the Gemara (Berachos 7b) states that the prayers of the tzibbur are not rejected. This may work by dint of the fact that if one individual has less intention or focus in his prayers, his prayers ride along with the others, and perhaps each fills in the lacunae of the others. Similarly, an individual may merit less relative to sin than the collective.
Psychologically, people feel more energy and become bolder when they are part of a group. This can work negatively or positively. Mob psychology can drive people to engage in boundary-breaking violations because it does not feel like a violation when “everyone is doing it.” Likewise, our spiritual energy can increase by joining a group in a religious endeavor. This is not just a “psychological trick.” If something works with human beings, it is because God designed it that way, and it therefore has a purpose.
I will tell you a story. One morning I was feeling particularly tired and somewhat depressed about a number of personal failings. Even though I had showered the night before, I had an urge to take a shower again—somehow to wash off the “mental grime.” My thought was, “This is silly; you’re just enacting a need to wash away your troubles through a symbolic act.” But then I thought was, “That’s exactly why it feels good, and that’s exactly why I should do it.” I took the shower, knowing full well that it would not change any of the things that were getting me down, but also knowing that, being a human being, it would somehow make me feel better. And it did.
God designed within us the ability to be contained and influenced by community. Sometimes this can be negative, but mostly it is positive. An important part of religious life is being connected to the community and allowing it to influence you.
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