Judaism And Healthy Living: Healthy Bodies Support Healthy Souls

I was reminded of the importance of a healthy body in a most unusual place. It was on a visit to the Kotel, also known as the Western Wall in Jerusalem. To many, coming to Jerusalem, and especially the Kotel, is the highpoint of their trip to Israel. It is here that people feel their prayers are answered. In fact, to look at the wall is to see thousands of tiny pieces of paper containing blessings, pleas and supplications to God stuffed into every nook and cranny. Many feel a personal connection with God, in this Holy place, that is unique, powerful and awesome.

This time, however, my greatest inspiration was not going to be spiritual, rather it would be physical. Our tour group was standing outside of the bathrooms, adjacent to the Kotel, when one woman looked at me and laughed saying, "Look, there is even a prayer outside of the bathroom." I looked carefully at the words and explained to that it actually was not funny at all. Rather, to me the message of the words that were etched into the wall had quite a profound meaning.

The prayer was one that is said each morning upon waking up, although it is also quite relevant to say after using the bathroom. It literally says, "Praised are You, Adonai Our God, Sovereign of the universe, Who with wisdom fashioned the human body, creating openings, arteries, glands, and organs, marvelous in structure, intricate in design. Should but one of them, by being blocked or opened, fail to function, it would be impossible to exist. Praised are You, Adonai, healer of all flesh who sustains our body in wondrous ways."

The words were etched into the wall reminding us to give thanks to God for allowing our bodies to function correctly when we go to the bathroom, but, in fact the message goes deeper than that. It reminds us that if we do not take care of our bodies and make sure that they are healthy, we cannot do God's work on earth. Our minds cannot create works of genius and our souls cannot engage in benevolent actions if our bodies are not working as they should. It is only through balance of mind, body and soul that we can reach our highest potential.