But in our own writing it depends. In general, it is more advisable to only associate with our pure and holy Godly soul and not the failings of our animal soul and evil inclination. So articles about depression, mistakes we’ve made, people we’ve upset along the way, are generally best avoided. Especially in this generation where we need all the encouragement we can get.
This is not to say that speaking about mental illness for instance is not important. But if this is done, the essay should also provide the tikkun, the pathway towards rectifying this trait. For instance, when I wrote about internet addiction, I did so because of the tikkun that was presented, not to share my personal struggles. Likewise, when I wrote about writing during a crowded class, or some of the difficulties faced during outreach, I shared these details because I thought they may be encouraging to read.
Submission-Separation-Sweetening
To conclude, three stages of psychological and spiritual growth were alluded to when discussing Sherri Mandell’s article. They are, as taught by the Ba’al Shem Tov, submission, separation, and sweetening.
Submission: In our example, submission is to realize that a double standard exists. That Dahlia’s personal details were not recounted. Many headlines, especially among more right-leaning papers, highlight this discrepancy between the way Israel is treated versus the nations of the world.
Separation: Means to separate between the light and darkness. To isolate the light and resolve to leave all darkness behind. This also means to appreciate how the Torah relates to the present headline. To understand what it means to fight terrorism according to the Torah.
Sweetening: To dispel the darkness takes the resolve to sweeten or shine the light of truth and the Torah upon the situation. Thus if a double-standard exists at the beginning, the end result that we all hope for is that one standard will soon exist, the Torah-based standard. While it is not expected that one article should have all the answers, at least some practical steps can be presented.
While it is upsetting that a double-standard exists, as explained above, in addition to calling attention to the double-standard (submission), it is also important to explain the Torah view-point (separation), and offer some practical next steps forward (sweetening). And as the writer has gone through their personal three-step journey while writing, the hope is that both the writer and reader will reside together in a more light-filled world.