Finding Holiness Through Mindful Eating

We, the Jewish people, are commanded to be a holy nation unto Hashem. So, how do we attain holiness? Ramban explains that holiness is a result of demonstrating restraint in matters that are permitted to us.

From this, we understand that a person who can control their desires during a meal, such as eating to satisfy their hunger without excess, and choosing nourishing foods over those merely tempting to the palate, achieves holiness. By doing this, you succeed in the victory of the holy soul over the base instincts. Those who practice this restraint in eating will gain holiness!

There is no doubt that animal products rank among the most tempting foods: meat, poultry, dairy products, and so on. It is first to be emphasized that meat and poultry have been permitted to us by the Torah since the days of the flood, but the question is how much we consume, how restrained we are in the face of this desire and delight in eating animal foods, and what the damage of excessive consumption is to our bodies and souls.

Additionally, it is important to know that all of humanity was vegan until the days of Noah, as evidenced by the verse: "And Hashem said, 'Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food'" (Genesis 1:29).

So, what is the right amount of animal food to consume? Unfortunately, there is much ignorance in this field, and through my studies, I realized how chaotic the world is in this regard, and a clear order must be brought to these matters. So here is undeniable proof that limits should be set on animal food: the world’s leading health organizations and large-scale health surveys now agree that a balanced plant-based diet is healthy, meeting all of the body’s nutritional needs and offering significant benefits in prolonging life expectancy and preventing disease, thus increasing our chances of enjoying better health.

Mass consumption of processed animal products (meat, poultry, dairy products, and so on) did not exist in our world until several decades ago. This is a phenomenon unique to the modern Western world, whereas, in contrast to this phenomenon, at least half of the world's population still lives like in the old days. They mainly follow a vegetarian, vegan, or mostly vegetarian diet. It is important to know that these people are almost not afflicted with Western world diseases, namely: heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and so on, which are the main causes of death in the Western world. Therefore, wisely reserve animal food for the holy Shabbat, enjoy this sacred day, and be holy and joyful.

For booking home circles with the naturopath Ruth Liat Or-Pelz (free of charge), call 073-2221290