Yetzer Hara an Illusion

Kalev and Yehoshua told the nation that they don't have to be afraid of the nations living in Eretz Canaan because (14:7-9) צלם סר מעליהם, "Their shadow has left them."

The Sfas Emes (5638) explains that a shadow appears real, but there is nothing there at all. Try to touch it, but you can't. Shine some light on it, and it disappears. A shadow represents the yetzer hara. The yetzer hara comes up with many ideas, and at first, they seem so rational and true, but there is nothing to his claims. For example, this time, the yetzer hara devised a plan to frighten them. They were certain it was so dangerous to enter Eretz Canaan. But it was like a shadow, an imagination, an illusion.

6. Rashi explains that צלם סר, “their shadow has left them,” means the tzaddik, whose merit was protecting them, had died. Rashi writes, "The righteous people of the land – their protector and strength – died. This refers to Iyov, whose merit protected them."

7. The Rebbe of Kotzk zt'l called the yetzer hara a dimyon, an illusion. Another time, the Kotzker called the yetzer hara “a paper lion. Try ripping it up, and you'll see.” It seems real, but there is nothing there. One of the malachim in the yetzer hara’s camp is called דומה. The Avnei Nezer zt'l (Even HaEzer, 232:10) explains that it is called so because the essence of the yetzer hara is dimyon, an illusion.

8. People carry heavy financial burdens or other worries. Their situation seems unbearable. But there are tzaddikim who see the truth, that it’s all just a shadow, an illusion, and they strengthen themselves with bitachon and trust that Hashem will help. We should emulate them and know that our fears aren't real; they are just there to test us. When we realize that, we can overcome all challenges.