Spirituality and Empathy

When Moshe Rabbeinu asked Hashem to choose a proper successor, he refers to Hashem as אלוקי הרוחות, the G-d of the spirits. This reference is only mentioned one other time in the Torah in פרשת קורח.

Rabbi Twerski’s interpretation of this expression is that the leader to succeed Moshe, must be one who is guided by the spiritual and not physical.

When a leader’s spiritual side prevails, he is able to look away from his own needs and he is able to be dedicated towards his mission. On the other hand, one who is preoccupied with his own needs, cannot empathize with the needs of others.

Empathy is the key ingredient one needs to possess in order to truly be able to help others. This can only come when the spirit dominates and not the physical. Our dignity as human beings is directly proportionate to the degree we achieve self mastery and dominance of the spirit.