Might you have some conflict in your life? Big or small, might you be seeking a balanced way to manage conflict? You might you want to take the principles as expressed in your wisdom tradition and integrate that wisdom deeper, body wisdom even – to find the balance in your physical being. 

You might you want to find the principles for balance in your physicality, in your body even. After all, you may be dealing with some challenge(s), of a not-theoretical nature. This is your life. Let’s go to the text.

Moses demands Pharaoh release us. Pharaoh responds by pushing harder  [Exodus 5:1-21]. God appears to Moses again and sends him to confront Pharaoh [6:10-11]. Moses responds by repeating, I am not a gifted speaker, it’s like I have stones in my mouth, my lips are covered, you know – inarticulate [4:10, 6:12]. Or as Rashi the poet explains, my lips are obstructed, meaning my obstacle may (also) be internal.

How is Moses to lead? Let’s consult Rashi again [on 6:13].

Rashi teaches quoting the Midrash, lead with gentleness, be patient, tolerant, and to Pharaoh — speak with respect. But that’s not enough.

We are searching for balance in this story of challenge, confrontation and freedom taking. We are also looking for results.

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From the mysticism of the heart, we learn out: To the qualities of strength, confidence and courage, what we call gevurah on the left side, add patience, kindness, what we call chesed on the right side.

More: To the quality of stick-to-it-tiveness what we call netzach on the right side,

add gentleness and compassion what we call hod on the left side.

Let’s take the wisdom into our bodies.

Draw a line down the middle of your body with your thumb. Move your hand up and down that line, there is your heart line, there is your balance. Between the left side and the right side, there is your strength.

Find your strength. In your conflicts, settle into your strength. In our Torah-story, lead with patience and understanding, speak with respect, even to your detractors — especially to your detractors — but that alone will not earn your freedom.

Then push. 

Rabbi James Stone Goodman serves Central Reform Congregation and is a past president of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the d’var Torah for the Jewish Light.