Lusts and Spirituality

The Parsha also speaks of the מתאוננים, complainers, who challenged Moshe for not providing the עם with watermelons and other delicacies. They were sick of eating the Mann every day of the week. The Torah further describes them as התאוו תאוה, that they had given into their lusts. There is a subtle reference to their complaints which included the strict rules of family purity. We see from this episode that which is emphasized repeatedly in books of Mussar as well as books on Chassidut. We must realize that we have a body and a soul. The body represents physical desires. The soul represents spiritual pursuits. Ultimately, real joy comes from controlling our physical lusts and tapping into our spiritual side. The Mann could have been appreciated for its miraculous nature. It could taste like anything they wanted and was so pure that it was consumed entirely. There were no wastes that needed to be eliminated. The spiritually focused individuals appreciated the uniqueness of this special food. Those who gave into their lusts, chose not to see the magic of the Mann. We must meet the challenge we are faced with and not give into physical lusts. The connection to spirituality is what gives us strength and happiness.