Self care or self-centered? Role models in our community share what they do to take care of themselves and how they use those acts of self-nurture as a vehicle for spiritual growth
Rav Noach Weinberg ztz”l used to teach a class, which I heard many times and subsequently learned by heart, called “The Five Levels of Pleasure.” He taught that Hashem created this world for our pleasure. Growing up in a frum family, this was rather revolutionary. I’d always thought we were created to serve G-d, and would be punished if we failed to do so.
But of course, if we learn Torah sources properly, we see that if Hashem is Infinite, He certainly does not need anything from us, and the only reason He created us is for our personal good and pleasure.
Obviously the ultimate (first-level) pleasure is attachment to Hashem, but fifth-level pleasure, physical pleasure, is still legitimate, it’s “oneg,” and is meant to be experienced as a means to the end of connecting us to Hashem.
Going to the gym, running outside, going out to eat with your spouse or friend, a spa-day or recharging vacation, even a glass of good wine or a great cup of coffee, can be not only “okay” and no reason to feel guilty, but can actually be a positive means to the end of coming closer to Hashem, the purpose for which we were created!
Create a free account to keep reading.
