Jewish Soul Sources

Question

Shalom, Judaism teaches that Jews have a Jewish soul. Does this claim have biblical evidence? Where in Bible is this claim hinted?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    The classic sources are: Bereshis 2:7; Bereshis 25:8; Shemos 12:9; Bamidbar 15:31; Mishlei 20:27; Shmuel 1 28:3-15; Midrash Rabbah, Bereshis 14:9.

    In the more Kabbalistic sources the differentiation between a Jewish soul and a non-Jewish soul are explained, see Maharal Divrei Negidim page 160; see also Ramchal Derech Hashem part one chapter five; Adir Bemarom page 209; and Da’as Tevunos pages 340 and 351.

    According to the Kabbalists the “soul” is actually comprised of five components, Nefesh, Neshama, Ruach, Chaya and Yechida. Each human being has at least three of these parts and Jews have all five. What is fascinating is that the Kabbalists teach that the two parts of the soul that are uniquely Jewish are not a part of the body but, rather they exist above the person and serve as conduits to connect the person in a more direct way to God. The soul is like a chain with one end linked into the brain and the other to a certain spiritual source.

    As I  mentioned, there are five levels of the soul like the five links in a chain, each one parallel to the spiritual sphere where it exists. However, we only relate to the three bottom links, as we have no understanding about the two top ones. The three are the Nefesh, the Ruach and the Neshama. The Nefesh is the spiritual existence which resides in the body and keeps the physical metabolism working and the person alive. The Ruach is a connection between the Neshama and the Nefesh. It is the cause of feelings and personal qualities. The Neshama is the spiritual existence which pulls the man towards God, to the performance of good deeds, to be pious and humble and to seek knowledge and achievement in spiritual fields. It resides around the head.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team