The purpose of the Torah is to invert a person from the state he is in on the animate degree, called “beast,” to what is called “Adam” in Hebrew, which means “human being.” “Adam” comes from the same linguistic root as “Domeh,” which means “similar,” and reaching that level means reaching similarity with the Creator, a complete intention to bestow and to love.
While the Torah is written in the language of this world, it actually discusses spiritual actions, and it is an explanation of how we should use our ego. The several prohibitions in the Torah teach us how to not fall into using our ego, i.e. receiving for self-benefit at the expense of others, and its commandments are for strengthening the connection to the human level, similarity with the Creator, above our animate beastly state. Likewise, the main prohibition in the Torah is “Don’t do to others what you hate” and its main commandment is “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Therefore, when using the Torah according to its intended purpose, it helps conduct a spiritual change on a person, elevating him above the animate to the human degree of existence, adding to him qualities of bestowal and love, and bringing him to similarity with the Creator.
Based on the video “How Does Studying the Torah Change a Person?” with Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman. Written/edited by students of Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman.
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