No Spirituality-No Joy

Parshat Eikev has a very strong warning for the Jewish people that applies for all time.

When Moshe Rabbeinu recites the famous line, “Man does not live by bread alone,” he wants the people to understand a very real aspect of human nature.

If a person chooses to live a life devoid of spirituality, he will suffer in the end. The pursuit of materialism and comfort, will not give any permanent sense of satisfaction. Physical pleasures are temporary and do not last.

The makeup of a Jew consists of a body and soul. The body is temporary and the soul is eternal. When one satisfies the temporary aspect of his being, the joy will similarly, be temporary.

If the satisfaction of the soul is not part of this joy, it will leave that individual with a sense of emptiness. Something will be missing that will prevent that lasting feeling of contentment.

This is what Moshe meant when he said that, “Man does not live by bread alone.” The bread represents the physical, material world. That alone is not enough. Man will truly live when he is connected to Hashem and his spiritual side.

Many may be in denial of this basic truth. Eventually, things will catch up with him when he recognizes this void. Hopefully, this can be recognized before it’s too late. This recognition is what brings meaning to a person’s life. No longer will he be living a life of futility. Now his life will have meaning, and he can now experience a real sense of peace of mind and contentment.