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Born with a Clean Slate?

Answered by Rabbi Daniel Fleksher

Question

According to Jewish belief it is my understanding that all human beings are ‘bad’ but have been created since they have the potential to be ‘good’. Therefore even babies – who come ‘clean’ to this world – are in the greater sense ‘bad’- is this view correct??

Answer

I’m certainly glad you put ‘bad’ in quotes. Indeed the Torah states that the “…imagery of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” (Genesis 8:21) This means that our inclinations toward physical pleasures are innate, while our spiritual side needs maturity and wisdom to develop. Just as our progenitor, Adam, was created from earth and then had his spiritual soul blown into him, so too, are we expected to spiritually elevate our physical selves in this world.
Sincerely,
R’ Daniel Fleksher

Follow-up question

Question


In regard to the question of being “born with a clean slate”, how does that and the reference given to the imagery of evil in your youth apply to the concept of “original sin”?

Answer

It implies that there is no concept of “original sin”.

We have an “evil inclination” but that is good because it gives us the opportunity to exercise our free will. Thus, it is no accident that ice cream is bad for you and brussels sprouts are good for you. Without that temptation, there is no meaningful choice and we would be robots.