On Feasts and Fasts

"They tried to kill us
they failed ...
let's eat !"

OR

"They tried to kill us
they succeeded ...
we must fast."

We constantly associate all things with food. If it's Jewish - we either eat it, avoid it or mark it with a meal. We even have the most precise definitions of a seudah, a meal. 'Half an olive's worth' of this or 'half an olive's worth' of that ...

Why ?

Why is kiddush insubstantial ( almost irrelevant ) if it isn't accompanied by a seudah ?

Why is it when we aren't permitted certain foods ( like during the nine days ) or food at all ( fast of the first born ) we are suddenly allowed to eat them when it is a seudah for a mitzva ?

These questions were first posed to me by a neighbor of mine - a holy, holy Jew.
His answer is something that we can mull over as we fork food into our mouths: While we may not readily acknowledge it (because of the prosperity of our times or the instant variety of foods we have) a meal is important. It is the fundamental life action. That's why we must dedicate it to Hashem. This - lowliest of human needs - animalistic in origin ( and in practice, if your gauge is teenage boys ), can be, and is, elevated by the highest and loftiest human ability - dedication to G-d.

So next time we eat - instead of just having kavanna when we make our berachos - intend that every bite we eat is a testament to our ability to honor and grace Hashem with our most prized possesion - our intentions.

And, enjoy the eggs !!

'till next time,
R' Druyan