Body and Soul

Now that we are into the “Three Weeks,” it should be a time of introspection. This has been a difficult period throughout our history. We are to be aware that the command to minimize our joy, during this time, should get us thinking about our own priorities.

It seems clear from the Ramchal in his book, “Derech Hashem,” that one needs to recognize the uniqueness of man. Every other being in the universe, is either spiritual (as in angels), or purely physical, which includes all that exists on earth.

Man is the only one that has both physical characteristics, his body, and spiritual characteristics, his soul. Man is made of both body and soul.

What one needs to realize, particularly at this time, is that he has a responsibility to give nourishment to both his body and soul.

One nourishes the body by proper diet, exercise, and sleep. He needs to stay away from doing things that will harm the body. This is pretty clear to most people.

But the needs of the soul, are not so clear. Some are barely aware that they even have a soul. Everyone needs to be reminded that the potential of what can come from feeding the soul what it craves, is limitless.

This is the source for giving a person a sense of purpose in this world. It brings great joy and contentment. And it allows an individual to feel Hashem close to him.

Nothing in this world can compare to that spiritual joy that one can feel, when he achieves this connection.

When the Jewish people make the nourishment of the soul a priority, we become a great people. We put aside foolishness and pettiness. Collectively, we now are able to feel the bond of being part of the Jewish Family. This is the way to put an end to Jewish tragedies. And this is how we can turn this period of mourning, into a period of joy.