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| Praised are you O Lord our
God king of the Universe Who releases the captive |
Barukh ata adonai eloheinu meleh ha'olam
Matir asurim. |
I love to run. I enjoy the sound of my feet hitting
the pavement and I enjoy feeling my heart rate escalate. I wait
for the first drops of perspiration and I take pleasure in the
sensation of my muscles straining as I push myself harder as I
run up a hill. It is at those ties I am most grateful for the
ability to run almost endlessly. I have been injured and unable
to run. Back pains have kept me off the street while knee aches
have kept me confined to my desk. And as I watch people run by,
I long to join them.
I know there are many people who exercise
because they want to reduce stress or at least their waistline.
Some swim for the aerobic benefit, while others play sports to
reduce their cholesterol. Many enjoy the activity while many simply
enjoy how they feel after they are done. Some of us watch sports
on television and imagine that we are in the game and able to
do that which those million dollar athletes are able to do.
Our tradition instructs that we are to care for
our bodies. As our bodies are the vessels that house our souls
we must insure good physical health and thereby provide a healthy
environment for the soul. This idea is known as Shemirat HaGoof,
guarding the body. It is the understanding that God has given
us a gift in our bodies and it something of which we must take
care. Because Shemirat HaGoof is a requirement the fulfillment
of that commandment should warrant the recitation of a bracha.
Yet I am at a loss for which bracha should be recited.
One bracha we recite each morning could serve that
purpose. This bracha is like brachot #20, Malbish Arumim and #32,
Sheasani B'tzalmo is taken from the introductory brachot of them
morning liturgy. This bracha is also part of the litany of brachot
that help us set our agenda for the day. And given the particular
mindset in which we may find ourselves this bracha, like its surrounding
brachot can mean something very different to us.
When confronted by a state of war the idea of release
of captive is most present in our thoughts. However, there are
others who are held captive. There are forces that old people
in their grip making life untenable. Of course I am referring
to illness and physical disability. As well, age sometimes rob
people of their ability to do the things they enjoyed doing in
their youth. There are those who are severely limited. Though
their minds are willing their bodies cannot comply. Though they
would like to participate in the varied activities that are possible
for others, it is impossible. Many are held captive by their bodies.
It is in the face of such challenges that we ought
to thank God for our abilities.
Copyright © 2001 Rabbi
Yohanan Stein. All rights reserved.
New Jersey Region United Synagogue
of Conservative Judaism
PO Box 390; 1025 St. Georges
Ave
Linden, NJ 07036-0390
Phone: 908-925-USCJ (8725)
/ Fax: 908-486-USCJ (8725)
E-mail: njersey@uscj.org
Copyright © 2000 -
2003 New Jersey USCJ. All rights reserved.
Last Updated: July 2003
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