The Spiritual Power of Eating: Food, Blessings, and the Soul

A large portion of the Torah’s commandments focuses on two main areas: the type of food that enters the body and the quality of information that enters the mind. Previously, we explored the meaning of "meat and milk" in both its literal and mystical sense. Now, we’ll delve into the significance of blessings over food, the concept of kosher eating, and the spiritual rationale for guarding one's eyes and thoughts.

Blessings and Kashrut

The Talmud states: “It is forbidden for a person to enjoy anything in this world without a blessing.” This is because, in truth, food does not belong to the individual- it belongs to the Creator. The Talmud continues: “Anyone who enjoys this world without a blessing is considered as if they have stolen from G-d and from the congregation of Israel.” Eating without a blessing prevents spiritual abundance from reaching both the individual and the community.

The Zohar adds that failing to make a blessing also deprives the higher spiritual realms of the sanctity that would otherwise be elevated through that blessing.

According to Kabbalah, every food item contains a divine spark that sustains it. When a person consumes food, the body absorbs its physical matter, while the soul absorbs its spiritual energy. This is why, when a Jew eats non-kosher food, their soul is harmed- it absorbs a corrupted spiritual spark, which pollutes it and dulls its spiritual sensitivity.

This is tied to the unique structure of the Jewish soul, which is made up of 613 parts corresponding to the 613 parts of the human body and the 613 commandments. In contrast, a non-Jew's soul is made up of seven parts, reflecting the seven main parts of the body and the seven Noahide laws. Thus, while non-kosher food doesn’t spiritually harm a non-Jew, it does damage a Jew’s refined and complex soul. This is also why a Jew is promised greater reward in the World to Come.

Eating, therefore, has a spiritual impact. Food itself is elevated when consumed properly- it rises from a lower level of existence (plant or animal) to the level of the human who speaks and thinks.

When a blessing is said over kosher food, it spiritually elevates the food, enriching both body and soul. Studies even suggest that blessings can improve the quality of water and enhance the growth rate of plants watered with such water. If blessings can affect nature so directly, they certainly influence the human body.

Words have power. According to Jewish teaching, speech can shape physical reality. Even inanimate objects can be affected by words of Torah or blessings spoken nearby. A blessing, especially when recited with intention and focus, not only sanctifies the food but also improves its spiritual and physical quality.

If the food contains a reincarnated soul (gilgul), the blessing can help spiritually elevate and release that soul- bringing the one who recites it great merit for this act of kindness.

Reincarnation in Plants and Animals

The Arizal, via his disciple Rabbi Chaim Vital in Sha'ar HaGilgulim, explains that after death, a soul may be reincarnated into four forms: inanimate objects, plants, animals, or humans- depending on the sins committed in life. A soul that sinned may enter a stone, a tree, or an animal until it is purified.

In Minchat Yehuda, the Kabbalist Rabbi Yehuda Petaya recounts a conversation with a dybbuk (a possessing spirit) who shared that he had previously been reincarnated in a pomegranate. A righteous man had eaten that pomegranate at a Shabbat meal, recited the blessings properly, and thereby released the soul. That soul then merited to reincarnate into a human body again.

The story emphasizes how a sincere blessing can repair and elevate souls trapped in various forms, and how simple actions can carry immense spiritual power.

Discipline and Gratitude

Making a blessing also teaches self-control and delayed gratification. Even when hungry, one pauses to thank the Creator. This trains both children and adults to be mindful and grateful. After a meal, we don't just rush back to our tasks- we recite a blessing of thanks, as it says: “And you shall eat, and be satisfied, and bless the Lord your G-d.”

Intentional Eating

The Talmud teaches: “If you find yourself overly enjoying a meal, pull your hand back from it.” Rabbi Shimshon Pinkus explains this doesn’t mean to avoid delicious food, but to pause and ask: Why am I eating? Is it merely for bodily pleasure, or is it to nourish the body in service of spiritual growth?

The fact that food is enjoyable is a kindness from G-d as it adds beauty and delight to a necessary act. The pleasure itself isn’t the goal, but presents an opportunity to overcome physical urges and strengthen the soul.

Over time, a person can internalize this mindset until it becomes second nature. Then food no longer draws them downward into physical indulgence but becomes a tool for spiritual elevation and divine connection.