When preparing challah for Shabbat, we separate a piece of dough, reminiscent of the offering given to the Kohanim. While the act connects us to thousands of years of tradition, there is also something liberating about separating in order to feel more complete. We even offer a blessing during this act of separation. Meaning, it is praiseworthy when we recognize what should remain integrated within our lives and what needs to be thrown away.
In order to feel a sense of wholeness, from what do you need to separate? What needs to be cut out?
For many years I said yes to everything. Paulo Coelho admonishes, “When you say, ‘Yes’ to others, make sure you are not saying, ‘No’ to yourself.” Meaning, when we say yes to gossiping about the neighbor next door, we are denying ourselves the privilege of being one of God’s servants. When we say yes to overextending our schedules, we say no to the chance of spending impromptu moments with the people we love. When we say yes to negativity, complaints, worrying and discouragement, we say no to the possibility of growing through wonder, curiosity, gratitude, and surprise.
We seem to understand why we should cut out certain foods to nourish our bodies. It’s time to realize that certain separations may be the key to nourishing our souls.
Shabbat Shalom
