In the Zohar (the original Kabalistic text) it teaches us that Avraham is referred to as the soul of a Jew, while Sara is referred to as the physical body. When the Torah tells us that Sarah died, it is saying that the physical body died. But the soul lives on, even after the body is gone. Therefore Avaraham, the soul, cried over the fact that Sarah, the body, died.
The place where she died holds significance as well. Kiryat Arba, which in Hebrew means four, refers to the four elements which make up the body: fire, water, wind, and earth.
Now we have a question: in an earlier verse it states that G-d told Avaraham that he must obey everything Sarah tells him to do. Seemingly though, if the soul is greater than the body, why then would Avraham, the soul, be obligated to listen to the body? Shouldn't it be the other way around?
We will understand this after explaining a verse in the Torah portion of Mishpotim. The verse says, that when you see the donkey of your enemy falling under its heavy load, you are commanded to help it, and work with it, even if you wish to refrain from offering assistance.
The baal Shem Tov explains it as follows: The Hebrew word for donkey is Chamor. It can also be read as Chomer, which means reflection. When a person will see his reflection (chomer), meaning when you will take a look inside yourself, you will realize that you are your own enemy. Our purpose on this earth is to do good, to fulfill the mitzvot. But sometimes, for whatever reason, we give in to our evil inclination, and we find ourselves sinning. The reason for this is because you won't allow yourself to do good. You hold back, because right now you just want to have fun, enjoy the physical world.
Consequentially, you realize that in life you are falling under your load. The load here refers to learning Torah, and doing Mitzvot which a Jew is obligated to do. You feel like it’s to much to handle, so you despair. You give up, decide that you might as well forget about trying, because it is too hard for you. You don't want to work with it, you would much rather break it, or neglect it altogether. Be it through fasting or pain, anything rather then facing the issue and working with it.
The verse comes to tell you, no!! You are meant to work WITH IT. Don't ignore it. Work with the gashmiyut (physicality) and turn it over to spirituality. Even though it’s harder and more time consuming, you still need to work with it. Because the body, which is falling under the heavy load, can get to an infinitely higher level then the soul can. The soul needs the bodies help, in order to go higher in it's avodah.
Here's the answer to our question of why the soul was commanded to listen to the body, This is also the reason why Abraham the soul, came to cry for Sarah. The body, in essence, is higher then the soul. The soul recognizes this, which is why the soul is willing to come down to this world in the first place. It knows that within the body it can reach a much higher place then it can ever hope to attain on its own. When the soul is commanded to listen to the body it is because the body is really greater, and can bring the soul to higher levels which were previously unattainable. In addition, this explains why Abraham came to cry, because now that the body is gone the soul can no longer reach any higher.
The lesson from all of this is, that now while we are still alive with our souls in our bodies use THE TIME WISELY. Don't forget that the more we work with our physical body, the higher spiritual plains we can reach. Use it, don't abuse it.
Good Shabbos, from your Shliach Levi Hertzel
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