Limits can be Freeing

Orthodox Judaism – like macrobiotics – seems to go against the grain. Many in today’s society may think freedom means do anything you want, get anything you wish, enjoy more and more. But neither Judaism nor mb thinks so. Quite the opposite – by knowing our limits, we can fully appreciate what is given to us.

I was exposed to this idea when I first had my colors done – she said knowing what colors are good for you will make it much easier to shop, as you quickly eliminate all that doesn’t work for you. So it is with kashruth and with mb foods – I am not overwhelmed with a zillion choices, because many just do not fit into my life – and I am fine with that – for one spurs my spiritual path and the other one is healing for my body – what can be better???

At first, when one is used to “do/eat whatever I want,” this kind of discipline may seem difficult, even unappealing. It is only through actually experiencing it, does it work. If one’s attitude is of resentment, or fear, or any other kind of resistance, one isn’t truly accepting that the limit is valuable. So probably won’t be successful. And usually it is difficult at the beginning to accept something so new. As for mb, sadly too often it’s a last resort when someone is so sick and nothing else works – thank G-d, often it can still work, but such a pity one has to suffer before accepting.

Yes, there are many challenges, most especially when one is not in one’s own home, own environment. But even these challenges can be overcome. Whether one accepts compromises, depends a lot on where the person is in their spiritual/physical development.

One of the bigger challenges for me is fasting on Jewish holidays. Mb is not a proponent of fasting, as it is seen as too extreme for the body. For the most part, fasting is for spiritual reasons, either because we are so deeply sad (like 9th of Av) or because we are beseeching G-d and food is just not on our radar. The line goes that on Yom Kippur we are as angels, and do not need food. But I admit not to having got that spiritual – I do need food – but every time a fast is over, I realize I can do it. And I feel good that I can do it.

The following is the best reason I have read for fasting this coming Wednesday. Apologies, I don’t know who wrote it.

Once there was a King in Shushan, the most powerful ruler in the world, who had a strong disdain, dislike or perhaps even hatred of Jews.
Today there is a President in Washington, the most powerful ruler in the world, who has a strong disdain, dislike or perhaps even hatred of Jews.Once there was a Persian who wanted to kill all the Jews, but needed the King’s authorization to proceed with his plan.

Today there are Persians who want to kill all the Jews, but need the President’s authorization to proceed with their plan.

The King didn’t really care, as long as there was something in it for him – lots of money.
The President doesn’t really care, as long as there is something in it for him – a deal with the Persians.

The Jewish Queen wanted to tell the King what was really happening, but going in to talk to the King was dangerous.
The Jewish Prime Minister wants to tell the President and his Congress what is really happening, but going to talk to them is dangerous.Some people thought she shouldn’t go, it would just anger the King and make things worse.
Some people think he shouldn’t go, it will just anger the President and make things worse.

She asked the Jews to fast and pray for the success of her mission. They did so, the King accepted her words and the plot to destroy them was thwarted.
Will we fast and pray for the success of his mission? Will the President and Congress accept his words? Will the plot to destroy us be thwarted?We commemorate the fasting prior to the Queen’s plea to the King on Taanis Esther.
The Prime Minister of Israel has been invited to address the United States Congress on March 3. This year Taanis Esther begins on March 3.