“Researchers in Denmark have developed a new drug that mimics the effects and benefits of strenuous exercise without moving a muscle!”
When I came across this paragraph of clickbait on the news, I knew I had to continue reading. After all, I am a big fan of strenuous exercise. Yes, you read it right: I am a big fan (just like “baseball fans” who like to talk and watch baseball but leave the playing to other people, I am also leaving strenuous exercise to others…)
But whom am I kidding? I heard that strenuous exercise is good for you. So if I can have my cake and eat it too, and avoid exercising—that sounds like a good deal.
The article reports that “... the drug has been shown.. to flush toxins and strengthen the heart.”
“Flush toxins and strengthen the heart.” Why does this sentence sound familiar?
Oh, I know! It reminds me of a talk by the Rebbe in honor of Yom Kippur, where he discussed the question: how does Yom Kippur work? We all know it’s considered a day of atonement, but how do we achieve it?
Here is a quote from that discussion (from Likkutei Sichos, volume 4):
“Yom Kippur reveals within every Jew the essence connection of their soul with the Creator, and when this level is revealed, all flaws automatically fall away.”
So Yom Kippur is “strengthening our heart” (our connection to G-d) and “flushing all [tox]sins!”
There is one big difference between the new medicine and the much older Yom Kippur “pill”. Unlike the medicine, which mimics the 10k run, Yom Kippur, when we strengthen our connection to G-d, it’s not mimicking; it’s revealing our true essence. And then, our sins flush away. Oh, and it also has no negative side effects. Some positive side effects are happiness, torah study and connection with Gd)
May this Yom Kippur bring with it a stronger, revealed connection to G-d, and may all of our prayers be answered.
Wishing you a Gmar Chatima Tova, have an easy fast, good yom tov, good Shabbos, sending love, praying for the hostages, the safety of our brothers and sisters in the holy land, and for world peace with the coming of Moshiach!
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
P.S. My gratitude to Rabbi Mendy Kaminker from Chabad of Hackensack for this article which inspired me - I did make minor edits