The Rebbe ridiculed the sexual desire, quoting the words of the morning prayer, “Do not bring me to a test or to disgrace.” He said, “Ader a nisayon, ader a beziyon – Either a test, or else disgrace.” That is, if you do not pass the test, you will come to disgrace.

We have discussed how the Rebbe spoke of the baseness of this desire, saying that it is really no temptation at all (see “His Praises” #16; “His Wisdom” #51).

The Rebbe said, “People are so bound up with their bodily desires, and tied to this one in particular, that it does not help when you explain how base this is. On the contrary, the more you speak of it, the more lewd thoughts they have. In most cases, it is therefore best not to even begin to think of it at all.”

This is explained in Sefer HaMidot: “Do not enter into litigation with your tempter. Thinking about something for any length of time, even of its avoidance, strengthens desire and turns one’s will towards it.”³⁷², Adultery and Immoral Behavior, A:10.

footnotes: ³⁷² The Aleph-Bet Book