A Soulful Journey

"He who eats foods that do not agree with him transgresses three commandments, in that he has despised himself, despised the foods, and recited a blessing improperly."  - Rabbi Akiva, Avot d'Rabbi Natan "Eat your bread in gladness." - Kohelet

CBS correspondent Bob Simon was holed up in Iraq some years ago.  He was beaten and spat upon for being a Jew.  Asked what he wanted most, besides freedom, he answered with tears in his eyes, "food." What we take for granted is necessary for life.  That is why we thank God every day for nourishment before eating.

Greek philosopher, Aristotle, was once asked what he considered the correct time for one to eat dinner. "The rich man should eat when he has an appetite and the poor man when he has food."

What's the difference between Pesah, Sukkot and Shavuot? On Pesah you can eat as much as you want and wherever you want but not WHATEVER you want…  On Sukkot you can eat whatever you want and as much as you want but not WHEREVER you want… But on Shavuot you can eat whatever you want and wherever you want but can't eat AS MUCH as you want…   Why, you ask? How much can you eat in just two days?   -Rabbi Jack Reimer

Dear God, help me break My desire to eat too much. Instead, let me eat and drink just enough To be strong and fulfill Your will. May I be worthy of sharing my food with guests, Particularly those who are in need. Protect me always from forbidden foods Since they bring impurity to my soul. Help me fulfill, dear God, the mitzvah Of washing my hands for meals, Which purifies my hands And draws down Your holiness upon me. May I please say the blessings before and after eating With concentration and devotion. Grant me the ability To eat in holiness, As this calms my mind And allows me to be in charge of what I do. Please God, when I eat, Let me have You in my thoughts. And then, through eating, I can reach true understanding . -Between Me and You

“Through proper eating, foolishness is brought to heel, and the mind is uplifted." -Rebbe Nachman Take full care of yourself.   

“Whenever possible, avoid eating in a hurry. Even at home, don’t gobble up your food. Eating is an act of holiness. It requires full presence of mind."   
- Rebbe Nachman, The Empty Chair