QUESTION:
There was a machlokes between the Rambam and the Ramban regarding the physical desire of sensuality and touch – if these desires are holy in their essence, or if they are lowly, base desires. The Rambam quotes Aristotle that physical desires and the sense of touch are lowly and base, and the Ramchal and Baal HaTanya also have this view, while the Ramban says that physical desires and sensuality are holy in their essence. Which of these views are correct?
ANSWER:
Both are correct, because the rule is that whenever there is an argument between our holy sages, we say that “Their words and their words are the words of the living G-d.” (Gittin 6b).
With regards to this particular argument, the Rambam was approaching this matter from the view of havdalah and hachnaah (separating and subjugating) while the Ramban was approaching this matter from the view of hamtakah (when physical desires are “sweetened” and harmonized with the spiritual).
With regards to this particular argument, the Rambam was approaching this matter from the view of havdalah and hachnaah (separating and subjugating) while the Ramban was approaching this matter from the view of hamtakah (when physical desires are “sweetened” and harmonized with the spiritual).
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