ABSTRACT
This chapter explores an ancient story from the Babylonian Talmud: Yoma 69b Nechemya—approx. The mythical, intriguing, somewhat enigmatic, dark story about Yetzer ha’ra—usually translated as the “Evil Inclination” of Idolatry and Sex—brings out a crucial difference between the mercilessly cruel fate of the little, abused, and vulnerable cub, who was savagely executed and silenced, and the desire for sexual transgression. The sexual desire warns them that he is necessary for the continuation of life. Prudently, they imprison him for three days. And, indeed, when realizing that nothing can be done, for halfway prayers are not answered, they blind him and let him go. The blinding only reduces the desire for incest with close relatives. The “vital spark, the urge towards life and growth and development,” and the struggle with deadness and annihilation are abiding concerns in Winnicott’s work and writing.
