by Ram ben Ze'ev
In every generation, the battle between the divine soul and the nefesh habehemit (נפש הבהמית - animal soul) manifests in different ways. In our times, this struggle is most evident in the realm of speech—especially through social media, where words have the power to build or destroy in an instant.
The Torah teaches that man is created b’tzelem Elokim (בצלם אלוקים - in the image of G-D), endowed with the ability to choose holiness over impurity. The Holy Zohar explains that every moment of choice between good and evil, between purity and sitra achara (סטרא אחרא - the other side, the force of impurity), is an opportunity for tikkun (תיקון - spiritual rectification). Resisting the inclination to speak negatively, to respond in anger, or to engage in fruitless disputes is not merely an act of self-control—it is the very purpose for which our soul was sent into this world.
Chazal teach, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue” (משלי יח:כא - Mishlei 18:21). The Holy Zohar expands on this by revealing that words create spiritual realities. A single word spoken in holiness has the power to bring divine light into the world, while a word spoken in anger or mockery strengthens the forces of darkness. Thus, one who “restrains his mouth” (קופא פליו) is not merely exercising restraint—he is actively subduing the sitra achara and transforming darkness into light.
This lesson is critical today, when social media thrives on controversy, outrage, and provocation. Many believe that if a statement is “true” or “deserved,” they are justified in posting it, commenting, or sharing. Yet, if their words do not serve Kiddush Hashem (קידוש השם - the sanctification of G-D’s Name), if they do not elevate but instead spread negativity—whether through anger, sarcasm, or mockery—then they serve the sitra achara, not holiness.
Even when refuting a falsehood, we must ask: Does amplifying this message bring kedushah (קדושה - holiness) into the world, or does it merely spread more impurity? The sitra achara does not care whether a message is promoted or opposed—only that it gains more attention.
True strength is not in the loudness of one’s words but in the wisdom to know when silence is the greater victory. Holding back from responding to a provocative post, refusing to repeat, shares, repost and otherwise promote a slanderous remark, and avoiding pointless debates are not acts of passivity but of spiritual resistance. This is the true test of one who seeks holiness—not to be entangled in the klipah (קליפה - husk of impurity), but to rise above it.
This is not a call for silence in the face of genuine evil, G-D forbid. There are times when truth must be spoken with strength. But before speaking or typing, one must ask: Does this bring holiness into the world? Does it elevate, or does it merely add to the noise?
May we all merit the wisdom and strength to subdue the sitra achara, not only in our thoughts but in our speech and actions, ensuring that our words serve holiness rather than amplifying darkness.
“The evil message doesn’t care who delivers it.” — רם בן זאב
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited, SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue. Bill White also writes on Substack under the byline "Bill White Says..."