Sue and I have two exercise
machines in our basement – an elliptical and a treadmill. When we bought them 3 years ago, we were
determined that we would use them at least 4-5 times a week. We figured it would be easy to just roll out of
bed in the morning, put on our workout clothes and get in some exercise before
the day started.
During the first few weeks we
were very successful. We had our
routine: we even recorded TV shows on our DVR that we could watch as we shvitzed. However, as the days and weeks went by, 4-5
times a week morphed into 2-3 times, then once a week, then….maybe one time a
month…and soon, we avoided the basement altogether because our exercise
equipment became a reminder of what we had hoped to accomplish, but couldn’t always
get around to completing.
There have been fits and spurts
when we have gotten back into the routine of exercise – especially after
vacations and holidays when we looked at our excesses in the bathroom mirror
and realized that we needed to take drastic measures .
Sue upped her game in anticipation of her High School Reunion this
summer and this past week I started again: three days in a row on the
Elliptical machine is a powerful way to lead into Rosh Hashanah. I don’t know if I will be able to keep going
long term, but I’m feeling good for now.
Truth be told, our failures in
the past should not be seen as an excuse for not trying to improve ourselves in
the present. It is never too late to
start healthy habits. During the past 3
weeks we have focused on our spiritual selves, our relationships, and our
responsibility to community. This week, I want us to be very much aware of our
physical selves. If we do not take care of our health, then we cannot perform
Tikkun Olam - the repairing of our world. Our bodies are holy. The Torah teaches that we are created B’tzelem Elohim - in the image of God.
In this light, taking care of our bodies is a sacred task. As such – I offer the following questions:
- Have I taken care of my body through
diet and exercise?
- Have I prepared medical directives that
are clear and unambiguous stating my desires for illness and end-of-life
issues?
- Have I done all that I could to comfort
those around me who are affected by illness – have I performed the mitzvah
of Bikkur Cholim – visiting the
sick?
- Have I truly appreciated and taken advantage of the beauty of
the mountains that surround me?
- How much stress is in my life? Is it affecting my daily activities?
- What bad habits have I cultivated that I
need to change?
- What positive habits should I trying to
incorporate into my daily routine?
Again, these questions are in no
way complete. If answering any of them
causes you to want to speak to one of the Temple clergy, Rabbi Immerman, Cantor
Sacks and I would welcome the opportunity.
Note that all of these materials will also be available in hard copy at
the Temple Office. If you know of anyone else who might want to receive these
mailings – whether or not they are members of the congregation, contact the
Temple and we will send them to you.
L’shanah Tovah U’metukah – May you have a good and sweet new year,
Rabbi Joseph R. Black
P.S. If you have not yet seen our
Congregation’s High Holiday Video, R.E.P.E.N.T., here’s a link for you to watch
and share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz-_tM63Guw
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