It is difficult for most folks to paste on a happy face securely when inside they are miserable or not taking care of themselves. It may work briefly, but quickly the interpersonal antennae pick up the discrepancy. Often the inner unhappiness comes from sheer exhaustion, not making wise food choices and neglecting physical exercise.
Rather than an indulgence, taking care of our physical and emotional well-being is paramount for being in service to G-d as well as service to one another. It is a mitzvah to take care of ourselves and our commitment to health has a profound effect on others.
To ensure that the body will be a fitting instrument with which to perform the mitzvot, G-d commanded us to protect and guard our bodies. : “Guard yourself and guard your soul very carefully” (Deuteronomy 4:9-10).
This commandment is so important that our rabbis taught that it is part of the commandment not to forget the Giving of the Torah: “Guard yourself and guard your soul very much lest you forget. the day when you stood before the Eternal your G-d at Mt. Horev” (Deuteronomy 4:9-10). The classic commentator Kli Yakar explains: “‘Guard yourself’ means taking care of the body.”
As stated byMaimonides “A person must avoid anything that may harm the body, and must cultivate healthy habits” (Hilchot Deot 4:1). In other words, the mitzvah of self-care has two sides: avoiding all risks to the body and acquiring good health habits.
One of the most important elements in the path to G-d is the health and strength of the physical body. Throughout the generations our rabbis have emphasized how important is the Torah commandment to be healthy and strong. In the list of our country’s transgressions, we have to include the fact that so many disregard their health. Despite compelling research, smoking, drinking, over indulgence of junk food and too much screen time are causing and will cause millions of us misery.
In order to fulfill the Biblical obligation to maintain our health, the performance of physical exercise should be viewed as a part of the fulfillment of this Torah commandment In his law code, the Mishneh Torah (Deot 4:14, 15) Maimonides wrote that one is to”exercise and exert oneself greatly.”
As we enter this month of June and the beginning of the summer season, let’s take to heart the guidance of our Torah and sages to take the very best care of ourselves so that the light within will be reflected in the genuine light and delight in our faces.
Shalom,
Congregation Beth Shalom is a small, friendly Reform Jewish congregation located in the heart of Carmichael. Members come from throughout the region, including Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, and beyond. We come from all walks of life and embody diverse Jewish backgrounds, belief, and practice.