A “Gold-Winged Soul”

Question

Have you ever heard of the concept of “a Gold Winged Soul”?

I read a few sentences in an old Jewish book that mentioned such a Soul and that it is “rare”. For some reason I had to put the book down and did not have an opportunity to gain access to it again. This was circa 20 years ago.

Any knowledge of what the meaning is and from where the “Concept” is derived would be extremely appreciated.

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    I do not recall coming across that particular expression, but I have a fairly good idea of the idea that “a gold-winged soul” conveys.

    There is a verse in Psalms (68:14) that states: “Wings of the dove, covered with silver, and her pinions with shimmering gold.”

    What is the significance of this metaphoric dove with wings of silver and gold?

    The classic Torah commentaries explain significance of the the “dove” in a number of symbolic ways, such as referring to the faithful nature of the Jewish People.

    Another way to understand the “dove” is as symbolic of the Soul. Let us examine the verse in Psalms with this meaning of “dove” in mind.

    The pinions are the bird’s powerful inner organs, which propel its outer wings. Just as the dove’s flying limbs have internal and external parts, so too mitzvahs have internal and external aspects. The inner purpose of each mitzvah is like a muscular pinion, the central force powering the wings.

    The verse describes the pinions as golden, a rare metal used primarily by kings and nobility. This indicates that the inner purpose of mitzvahs is known only to a select few – the great Torah scholars – the true gold-winged souls.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team