Nugget #4 – Intention

In the last Nugget we covered desire in relations to the 613 commandments. Today we will be looking at a related topic called intention, which is foundational to desire. The reason behind what we do is more important than the desire/action itself. Our actions are directed by our desire where desire is directed by our intention. The correcting of the intent will start transforming the desire automatically even before the desire itself is fully corrected and the action will follow step by step. Meaning the intent comes before the desire and then the actions related to that desire. It is quite mechanical in nature however very difficult to put into play.

If we create a table for Intent and desire/action, we would have 4 possible combinations. 1) Doing the right thing with the right intent. This is ideal. This represents pure motives with correct actions. 2) Doing the right thing with the wrong intent. The correct action is for show or self-gratification. 3) Doing the wrong thing with the right intent. The wrong action is done for the correct reason. Typically this is when, out of ignorance, a person commits a sin. 4) Doing the wrong thing with the wrong intent. This person is wicked. It is highhanded sin with full knowledge. This is to be avoided.

Combinations 1 and 3 have the proper intent even though combination 3 had a wrong action. But still with the proper intent the action has redeeming qualities. Even a proper action, for all to see, is wrong when the intent is wrong. So actions are not a validation of intent nor can judge intent. In Numbers 15:32-41 we find a man picking up sticks on the Sabbath. No one knew what to do with the perpetrator. Israel had to wait for G-d to issue the “death” sentence for his highhanded sin. Why? Because the people did not know what his intent was behind his actions nor if he repented of his folly (for even this is forgivable). Only G-d would know this.

The sacrificial system was based upon actions only. It cannot judge intent. Will this change the reason for offerings from what conventional thought and does this match what we were taught? What should our intent be? Does this change our understanding of what Torah really is?