Jewish Musings Friday/Shabbat March 29/30

[hollygail]

What’s on your mind — how to make kugel? This week’s Torah reading? Life goals? Prayer? We are all engaged in weight loss/weight maintenance journeys and we are all Jewish or at least interested in Judaism. We like to eat, we like to discuss. It is our goal here to provide each other support on our journeys, to share experiences, to call on our rich cultural heritage and texts, and to help each other grow spiritually.

Some of us take weekly turns starting the thread:

Frieda (hopefully)?
Holly
Lee
Louise
Lynne
Peachy

And for those of you that stop by to read this thread without posting — you are welcome to, but you are also welcome to chime in. Don’t be shy!

[hollygail]

Something in this week's Torah portion that I've wondered about over the years has to do with the elaborate rituals of investiture (ordaining) of the priests. Not only are the rituals filled with sacrificial offerings, but an important part of the rituals is to put the blood of a sacrifice on Aaron’s right ear, his right thumb, and the big toe of his right foot. For what purpose?

Judaism is not just a mind-centered concept. Judaism is also connected to the body. The ritual of investiture of the priests involves three specific parts of the body: the ear, the thumb, and the big toe. Is it because each body part symbolizes an essential part of living? That is, does the ear represent hearing, the thumb (and/or other fingers, and then maybe hand?) represent action, and the toe (and/or foot or feet) walking?

In what ways can you think of using your body parts (not necessarily only the ears, thumbs and toes “Jewishly”?

[peachymom1]

Good morning all, and thank you, Holly, for an interesting week!

Eek, some of that priest-and-blood stuff is just gross. Yuck! I'm so glad we don't do that anymore.

As for body parts, I definitely use my voice in chanting Torah, singing prayers and blessings, and discussing Jewish texts and values. I use my ears to listen, and my brain to process information and opinions. Other ways are more metaphorical - using my hands to give charity and my feet to walk in God's ways, as much as I can.

It's supposed to rain tonight and most of the weekend here, but I'm still going to the gym! Everyone have a wonderful weekend. Shabbat shalom!

[lee058]

Good afternoon everybody. Hope you are all well and SAFE! Please pray for Israel.

Re today's thread: I agree that it is important to use one's body "Jewishly." I agree with peachymom1, about using my voice, ears and brain, plus hands and feet! Thanks hollygail, for a good week.

Well, I guess Sunday it will be my turn to do the leads again. I am warning you that I may just pick frivolous topics!

Have a peaceful rest of the day, Lee

[louise]

I feekL I don't take goo enough care of my body sndI'm trying to tune into the spiritual ramifications of that.