Hi,
Hope you’re having a great day.
Sunday was a nice day, but quite hot.
And I was out jogging.
I met a friend who said to me …
“Rabbi! How do you do it in such hot weather?”
I wasn’t able to get into a philosophical discussion then.
But here it is.
Why do I jog even when it’s very hot?
For the same reason I pray every day. Even when it’s very hot.
(And even if the air conditioning at the synagogue is broken!)
Because I have to!
I consider both regular prayer and exercise to be a religious imperative.
… And there’s more.
Why do I jog every day?
Because I pray every day!
What do I mean?
Every day I thank G-d for the gift of life.
And if I don’t try to take care of myself?
It shows that I don’t really appreciate the gift of life.
Every day I ask G-d for good health.
And if I don’t try to take care of myself?
It’s kind of a chutzpa!
Like having a few drinks, getting behind the wheel of my car …
And praying to G-d for a safe trip!
… If you thank G-d every day for the gift of life, but don’t exercise?
Think about getting started!
If you exercise but don’t thank G-d every day for the gift of life?
Think about getting started!
I would be glad to send you the text of the Modeh Ani, the “Thank G-d I’m Alive” prayer.
And if you already do both?
Wonderful!
You’re really in good shape!
… And one more thing.
Before you go out for a jog?
Please make your RSVP for next Wednesday’s Lunch, Learn & Mitzva at the Northbrook JCC.
Our first one was wonderful! We accomplished all three!
A great lunch. Quality learning …
And a huge mitzvah!
The young adults with special needs were thrilled to be part of it!
Next week’s lunch will be followed by Part 2 of my favorite workshops, ‘Living Life to its Fullest’: Judaism’s powerful tools for getting greater pleasure and meaning out of life. (Complete details and registration at www.torahnetwork.org/register.htm)
Part 2 is independent of part 1 – so whether or not you were there for part 1, please join us. (And if you’d like to hear an mp3 of part 1, go to www.torahnetwork.org/mp3.htm.)
Please join me for a great lunch, great learning and a great mitzvah!
All the best,
Rabbi Moshe Katz
Director
ChicagoTorah Network
2832W. Touhy Avenue
Chicago,IL60645
P 773. 761. 0400 ext. 201
F 773. 761. 9262