Shelaymut 1
Being whole
Healthy body, healthy mind?
By keeping the body healthy and fit, a person walks in the ways of God. During illness, it is very difficult to have any real understanding or appreciation of the Creator. Therefore it is a person’s duty to avoid whatever is harmful to the body and they should try to cultivate healthy habits. This means not eating or drinking too much or too little and not hesitating to go to the toilet when necessary.
Another general principle of well-being that doctors say is as follows: As long as a person exercises regularly, works hard and does not over-eat they will be free from general disease and they will be healthy, even if they don’t always eat the most sensible of foods.
Mishneh Torah, Health Ethics, Section 4:1,14
QUESTIONS
1. What do you find surprising about this section of Jewish law?
2. How does being healthy and fit help you to appreciate God?
3. Does this text mean that by being fit and healthy it is easier to appreciate feeling good about yourself and the world around you?
Thoughts to ponder
1. What do you find surprising about this section of Jewish law?
Many people are amazed by the fact that the Torah deals in such detail with physical health. What are your thoughts on this topic? Is it too much information? Do you believe that taking care of oneself is a more modern concept?
2. How does being healthy and fit help one to appreciate God?
Being in physical pain may not allow a person to appreciate the beauty of the world or the people in it. Sometimes illness can be all-encompassing and it can be difficult to disconnect from the pain or discomfort of illness. Many outdoor activities may also require a certain level of health and fitness. There are, however many people who suffer from ill-health and yet are able to appreciate the beauty of the world. Often people who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses say they are able to truly appreciate the flowers, the smell of the sea, the sun on their face – do those elements raise our own awareness of our own mortality and limited time on the earth?
3. Does this text mean that by being fit and healthy it is easier to appreciate feeling good about yourself and the world around you?
By feeling fit and healthy people often have more energy and enthusiasm for activities which are available to them. There may also be psychological aspects to feeling fit. People may feel more attractive both to themselves and others if they are confident in their appearance and feel generally well.
- How could learning this text in help to increase someone’s self-esteem?
- How could learning this text in help to increase discussion around caring for themselves physically and emotionally?
Created by Shelley Marsh
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