At the very end of last week's Torah portion (Shelach), we read that the Israelites are instructed to place fringes on the corners of their garments. Why? Because “you shall see it and be mindful of all God’s commandments and you shall do them. And you shall not stray after your heart and after your eyes....” The basic understanding of this expression to “stray after your heart” is that we should not lust after objects we see and desire. This is puzzling, because in Judaism we emphasize actions , not thoughts, right? We don’t consider it sinful to have bad thoughts . Our tradition is clear about that. And anyway, how can we control our thoughts? Isn’t that commanding the impossible? But this verse of Torah is definitely considered a “thou shalt not” commandment. Do not go astray after your heart… How can we understand this? Here is one explanation, from the 16th century kabbalist Chaim Vital: A sin has four components: 1. a thought arising in the mind 2. rumination in the heart 3....