Editing Chassid (section)

==== Iskafya and Is'hapcha ====
''Extended entry - Iskafya'' ''Extended entry - Is'hapcha''

When the yetzer hara tempts us to do something forbidden and we overcome it, this is called 'iskafya'. The source of this expression is from the Zohar, and its meaning in Aramaic is 'suppression'. We suppress the yetzer hara's influence.

A higher level of divine service is 'is'hapcha', meaning 'transformation'. At this level, we don't just suppress the yetzer hara's influence, but we nullify its negative desires and transform them into good.

Iskafya and is'hapcha are two paths in a Yid's avodas Hashem, and generally characterize two types of Yidden at different levels: tzaddikim and those who are not tzaddikim. One who has reached the level of 'tzaddik' (according to the Tanya) has the power to achieve is'hapcha: he completely subdues the yetzer hara, transforms it to good, and 'elevates' it to kedusha.

In contrast, a Yid who is not on the level of tzaddik must serve Hashem through iskafya. He must overcome the desire to transgress and stand firm against all the yetzer hara's temptations.

"The avodah of tzaddikim is surely considered more precious to Hashem," you're probably thinking to yourself now, feeling a bit sad. Not exactly! In the Tanya, the Alter Rebbe quotes the pasuk "Make me delicacies as I love," and explains it in relation to these two types of divine service. The Alter Rebbe compares the avodah of tzaddikim to sweet foods, and the avodah of beinonim to sharp or sour ingredients that become delicious after being properly seasoned. Both forms of avodah are 'delicacies' to Hashem, and He derives nachas from both.

'Iskafya' isn't just about overcoming the yetzer hara when it tries to entice us to sin. Even with permitted matters, if they're not for purposes of kedusha - we can and should suppress our yetzer and avoid them.

For example, let's say we want to eat an especially tasty cake with the finest hechsher and nothing forbidden in it, but on the other hand, eating it serves no purpose of kedusha since it won't give us strength to fulfill Torah and mitzvos. If we overcome our desire and instead eat healthy food that will give us strength to do good, that's also iskafya!
Description	What you type	What you get
Italic	''Italic text''	Italic text
Bold	'''Bold text'''	Bold text
Bold & italic	'''''Bold & italic text'''''	*Bold & italic text*