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By Amichai Lau-Lavie October 5, 2016

Wednesday 10/05/16

Tishrei 3 5777

Tzom Gedaliah

Dear Food,

Today is the Tzom Gedaliah, a minor fast day, commemorating a political assassination and providing needed gastro-check in following the new year feasts.

With gratitude, we honor you today by keeping distance.

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I begin today, along with my friend Shira, for the fifth year now, a seven day raw food fast, which starts with a day of just water. This annual detox week is one great way to sail into the fast of Yom Kippur and the year ahead with ease, to release toxins and some weight, and rebalance.

On this 32nd day of the ride for softer living this new year I pause to fast from solid food, and to begin a week of disciplined intentions on more conscious eating in the days ahead and all year long.

This is the third day of the ten days of return and response. Today’s question is – what type of food will I choose to eat or not this coming year to live with more ethical and healthy intentions? There are all sorts of dietary choices and restrictions offered to us these days. Some more easily taken on and some more tricky, and we know a lot more these days about the allergies and addictions and specific needs for all of us. But it all comes down to simple common sense discipline and will. No more excuses.

The dream is a better body balance, healthy pleasures, ethical and local choices, nourishment to body, mind and soul.

Thank you for the privilege of your presence, not to be taken for granted. Your abundance in my life comes with the responsibility to choose right, for me and for others.

May there be just enough of you for all of us to live by and live well.

What can we each achieve today to focus on our fast and feasts and food for thought and better living?

Love,

Amichai

PREPENT: Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie’s annual journey to the new year, with 40 ways in 40 days to reflect, refocus, recharge and restart life. This year features daily love letters inspired by Lab/Shul’s theme for the High Holy Days, “וְאָהַבְתָּ re:love.”

Subscribe to Lab/Shul’s mailing list to receive this free daily blog in your inbox by checking “Prepent” as a special interest, share them on Facebook or Twitter, or read it online at the Forward.

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