Our eyes are interesting organs. For most of us who can see, we comprehend our world much by what we see. Our sensory organs in effect make us living beings who experience our surroundings in certain ways that either please us or frighten us. The eyes in particular are the source of our longing. What we see, we want. What we see, we believe.

In the Jewish tradition, the eyes are the first source of sin. They can betray us and lead us in wrong directions. They can create in us feelings of covetousness and envy. These can lead to disastrous consequences if not recognized and our gaze averted.

Think of the story of Cain, staring in anger and jealousy at his brother, or the story of Joseph’s brothers glaring at the beautiful coat bestowed upon their youngest by their father, the story of Sam…