Monotheism and The Understanding of Good and Evil

The Torah promote the understanding of One G-d. How this affects the dichotomic nature of the universe is more perplexing. Therefor, expounding upon this in detail is necessary.

During the establishment of Judaism, there was the rise of Zoroastrianism in Persia. The fundamental difference between the two faiths is that the Zoroastrians believed in a theology that believed in Ditheism – two gods. One of them was good, and the other was evil. The tradition of Israel is to say that Hashem is Our G-d and we have no other (as said in Aleinu) or “He is One; there is no second” (ibid Aleinu)

Everything in existence has a source. Everything leads back to its original source point – The Creator. Compare this to the roots and branches of a tree. From the seed sprouted the roots. Then you have the growth of the trunk, branches, etc.

Both positive and negative energies stem from the roots of creation. Negative energies are the deformation/deterioration of the roots and branches of the universe (Derech HaShem 1:5:8). The formation of evil is a product of the pure wholeness of Olam Ha-Zeh fracturing over time. Positive energies lead to constructive actions [that] help rectify the original perfection of the creation. Negative energies lead to destructive actions that damage this perfection.

The Creator of The Universe allows for both good and evil to dwell in the same world. Man’s free will is a result of having two contradicting inclinations towards both of these forces.. There is a good inclination (Yetzer Ha-Tov) and an evil inclination (Yetzer Hara). If fire is the representation of chaos, then pouring either water or oil over the flame would be an analogy of these two inclinations at work. The former purifies the [object] while the latter adds more problems to the object.

These forces do not operate equally. The force of Good requires us to have perpetuating contact with it. It requires effort to maintain such contact. The power of Evil, on the other hand, is akin to a magnet – keeping you pulled towards it. Yetzer Ha-Ra  is constantly [attempting] to influence mankind. It tries to draw us near to it. It is taking us farther from Hashem. Because of this, one must constantly strive for goodness. This requires constant self-improvement. The strife between good and evil can seem like an endless battle. While Evil seems to move forward like a wave or the path of a river, Good requires one to swim against the current.

Mankind has the ability to connect to the Higher Source. Every Neshamah (soul) has the ability to connect to Hashem. Unfortunately, this can be hindered when the lenses of the Yetzer Hara  distorts one’s moral compass. The GPS – Godly Positioning System (Ha-Torah) shows us the right direction. It is up to each and every one of us to follow it. The Yetzer Ha-Ra tests our ability to follow the path of good. It is a challenge for the Neshamah and its journey through life. Mankind has to make the effort to pull away from evil and push towards righteousness.