Judaism Offers Strategy to Overcome Evil Inclination

As the High Holy Days approach, culminating in Yom Kippur, Jews engage in introspection about the past year, often focusing on failures. The article suggests a method to overcome the "evil inclination" (yetzer hara) by using its own tactics against it. This approach is framed within the context of repentance and seeking forgiveness.

The "evil inclination" is described as a cunning adversary that doesn't present major sins directly but instead tempts individuals with small transgressions, minimizing their significance. This gradual erosion of resolve, starting with minor concessions like "just a little look" or "just a few minutes of wasted time," eventually leads to significant deviation from one's spiritual goals.

Conversely, when a person decides to repent, the "evil inclination" allegedly shifts tactics, demanding extreme, immediate change. It sets impossibly high standards, such as waking early for intense study or never getting angry, knowing that failure to meet these demands will lead to despair. The article proposes countering this by adopting a similar incremental approach to positive change.

Instead of aiming for total transformation overnight, the strategy advises focusing on small, achievable victories in the present moment. This involves telling oneself "just for now" or "just for this moment" when facing temptation. For example, committing to not getting angry for the next five minutes, or refraining from one instance of gossip, or studying just one page of Talmud.

Each small act of self-control or positive action is presented as a "point" gained, accumulating over time to build a strong defense of holiness. This method, the article concludes, allows individuals to focus on the immediate challenge rather than an overwhelming long-term goal, thereby increasing their chances of spiritual success and a favorable judgment.