THE STRUCTURE OF THE SOUL IN JEWISH TRADITION – AND THE SPIRITUAL ROLE OF THE BNEI NOACH

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This blog summarizes the classical and mystical Jewish sources regarding the levels of the soul, the spiritual status of the Bnei Noach, and the difference between Neshamah and Nefesh Elokit. It is written as a clear explanation for anyone struggling with these concepts.

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The Five Levels of the Soul (General Jewish Framework)

Jewish tradition, based on various classical and mystical sources, speaks of five levels of the soul:

1. Nefesh – the basic life force connected to the body
2. Ruach – emotional life, speech, consciousness
3. Neshamah – intellectual/spiritual soul, a channel of divine connection
4. Chayah – higher spiritual awareness
5. Yechidah – ultimate unity with G-d

Every human being possesses at least nefesh and ruach, according to most sources.
The neshamah is the level that provides higher spiritual awareness and connection.

Ramchal (Derech Hashem, Chapter 4 – “Israel and the Nations”)

The Ramchal explains:

What every non-Jew does have:

• Nefesh – the vital force that enables bodily life
• Ruach – the spirit that enables speech, awareness, and cognition

What a non-Jew kan receive:

• A non-Jew who accepts the Seven Noahide Laws receives a portion of the Neshamah (the higher soul).

Why this matters:

• This Neshamah is what enables a non-Jew to have a share in the World to Come (Olam HaBa).

Source: Ramchal, Derech Hashem, Chapter 4, section “Israel and the Nations”.

The Spiritual Status of Bnei Noach According to the Admor Maharash

In Torat Shmuel (5633/1873, vol. 1, treatise Ki Yishalcha, p. 223), the Maharash explains:

Three categories:

1. Idolaters (Ovdei Avodah Zarah)
   • Receive their spiritual vitality from the three impure klipot or from the impure side of Klipat Nogah.
2. The righteous among the nations (Chassidei Umot HaOlam / Bnei Noach)
   • Receive their spiritual influence from:
     • the good side of Klipat Nogah, or
     • the angels of the World of Assiyah (Action).
3. Israël
   • Receive spiritual influence through higher channels connected to Torah and the 613 commandments.

The Maharash emphasizes that Bnei Noach exist on a much higher spiritual level than idolaters, because their connection is rooted in purity and holiness.

Bronnen:

• Admor Maharash, Torat Shmuel 5633, vol. 1, p. 223
• Likkutei Torah, Parashat Pinchas, p. 79c
• Rabbi Moshe Zacuto on Parashat Vayakhel (regarding Amalek)

Neshamah vs. Nefesh Elokit (Divine Soul)

There is much confusion about these terms. The distinction is crucial:

1. Neshamah

• A classical spiritual level of the human soul
• Part of the nefesh–ruach–neshamah system
• According to the Ramchal, it becomes accessible to Bnei Noach who accept the Seven Commandments
• It is a high spiritual source within creation

2. Nefesh Elokit (Divine Soul)

• A term from Kabbalah, especially Tanya (Chabad Chassidus)
• Specifically associated with the Jewish soul-structure
• Rooted beyond creation, in divine essence
• Creates an inherent pull toward Torah and the 613 commandments

Essential difference

The Neshamah accessible to Bnei Noach is a high level within creation.
The Nefesh Elokit of the Jew is a level of soul that is beyond creation.

Thus the two cannot be compared.
It is not about higher vs. lower — but different in kind, because they serve different divine roles.

When a Non-Jew Moves From Idolatry to Becoming a Ben Noach

The Maharash stresses:

• An idolater receives spiritual vital force from the impure side of existence.
• A Ben Noach receives influence from the good side of creation (Assiyah and Klipat Nogah’s pure side).

This means a real spiritual transformation takes place — an ascent in spiritual source and purity.

Why G-d Assigned Different Roles to Jews and Non-Jews

The Tanach clearly states that G-d gave Israel a special priestly mission, while giving the nations a universal moral mission.

Bronnen:

“A kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
- Exodus (Shemot) 19:6

“A treasured nation above all peoples.”
- Shemot 19:5; Deuteronomy 26:19

“I have set you apart from the other nations to belong to Me.”
- Leviticus (Vayikra) 20:26

At the same time:

“Through you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
- Genesis 12:3

This teaches that Israel’s priestly role is meant for the benefit and spiritual elevation of all humanity, not for superiority.

The Highest Spiritual Level a Ben Noach Can Reach

The Talmud teaches:

Sanhedrin 59a
A non-Jew who fulfills his commandments exactly as G-d commanded can reach a level comparable to the High Priest (Kohen Gadol).

This proves:

• the spiritual potential of the Bnei Noach is extremely high,
• their relationship with G-d is deep and real,
• and their role is essential in the divine plan.

Plain-Language Summary

• Every non-Jew has a nefesh and ruach.
• By accepting the Seven Noahide Laws, he receives a portion of the Neshamah.
• This gives him a share in the World to Come.
• Bnei Noach draw their spiritual influence from the holy side of creation, not the impure side.
• Their Neshamah is not the same as the Jewish Nefesh Elokit (Divine Soul).
• G-d assigned Jews and non-Jews different but complementary roles, not different values.
• A Ben Noach who fulfills his commandments to perfection can reach a level comparable to the High Priest.

Door Angelique Sijbolts
Met dank aan Rabbi Moshe Bernstein voor de feedback

Bronnen

• Ramchal, Derech Hashem, Chapter 4, “Israel and the Nations”
• Admor Maharash, Torat Shmuel, 5633, vol. 1, treatise Ki Yishalcha, p. 223
• Likkutei Torah, Parashat Pinchas, p. 79c
• Sanhedrin 59a
• Tanach: Shemot 19:5–6, Vayikra 19:2, 20:26, Deuteronomium 26:19, Genesis 12:3

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