Faith and Reason

With Rabbi Howard Siegel

Not On Bread, Alone!


One of the most often quoted verses in the Torah appears in this week’s portion when Moses recounts the early history of the Israelites desert journey by saying:

“God subjected you to the hardship of hunger and then gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had ever known, in order to teach you that MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, but that man may live on anything that the Lord decrees (Deut. 8:3)”.

The commentary of the Eitz Hayim Humash notes, “This familiar verse is usually taken to mean that people need “more than bread”-including culture, art, and food for the spirit.” I want to take this commentary one step further and suggest that a lot of people would also benefit greatly by more exercise and better nutrition!

The New York Times reports  24.5 percent of American adults are not just slightly overweight, but categorized as “obese.” Twelve states, including Texas, report more than a quarter of their adult population is obese. In 1985, not a single state had more than 20% obesity. Today more than 40 states do.

What does this have to do with Torah? Everything. In a later portion of the Book of Deuteronomy we read another oft-quoted verse: ” I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose Life! (Deut. 30:19)”

Overweight people are at a significantly greater risk of sudden death by heart attack, diabetes, or a plethora of other ailments. As a human being our task is to provide a quality of life to all inhabitants of this earth. But what is the practical worth of this effort if one is unable to enjoy the fruits of this world because of health issues that could have been prevented by understanding that life has to be nurtured-spiritually and physically.

My prescription for a better life: 1) A regular program of exercise, 2) eating a more nutritional diet, and 3) bringing more Shabbat (Sabbath) into your life.

There are certain times in my day that are sacrosanct (holy, and not to be tampered with): Moments of daily prayer and exercise time.  This time is inviolable. My day is not complete without it.

Kashrut, the dietary laws, has taught me nutrition. The ideal of Kashrut is a vegetarian life style. Not everyone achieves this ideal.  Kashrut has also taught me to curb my cravings. I limit my intake of sugar, salt, and fats. Keeping Kosher informs my choice of restaurants. Specifically, it keeps me away from Fast Food joints. Fast food restaurants are the No. 1 reason for the increase in obesity and are simply bad for your health. Stay away!

And then there is the day of rest-Shabbat: The feast for the spirit! One day a week I rest my mind, body, and soul. I spend time appreciating the works of my hands and the beauty of God’s world, and then I am ready for another week: inspired, in shape, and healthy.

If your health is being compromised by your weight, don’t put off change any longer.  Do it! And remember the words of Deuteronomy: Man Does Not Live On Bread, Alone!

Rabbi Howard Siegel

Categories: General
Howard Siegel

One Response

  1. JR says:

    Overweight or obese adults are a result of their own choices.
    Something that is worse is not being a responsible parent and allowing your children to become overweight and obese.