To be healthy is a lifestyle. I believe it was always God’s plan for our lifestyle to be in harmony with our soul (3 John 1-2). God demanded wholeness from His people – a way of living that reflected purity. The environment and its foods were to be carefully prepared and handled. Because the body was a conduit for the soul, God demanded from the Israelites clean foods to enter their bodies for their protection and preservation. This intention would also reflect the wholeness and wholesomeness He desired of them “to love God with all their heart and with all their soul and with all their strength” (Deuteronomy 6: 5).
I tread carefully here, though, for I realize when food, in particular, becomes a subject some interesting attitudes appear from “you can talk about anything, but don’t touch my food” to “we’re not interested in any dietary laws here”. One of the greatest gifts God has given to us is the power of choice. In this spring issue, we begin a journey, learning about what God’s dietary requirements were and what they meant. I hope that you will choose to take this journey with us. Rabbi Gavri’el Moreno-Bryars will be writing a series on kosher beginning with the introduction in this issue. There are no requirements except an open heart and mind.
Also in this issue, we have the second part of our prayer interview with Dr. Andrew Newberg, one of the pioneers in neurotheology, a study of spiritual experiences on the brain. Dr. Newberg discusses centering prayer and speaking in tongues and reveals some fascinating insights about these two spiritual practices.
In addition, it is “Kidney Awareness” month. Do you know why the kidneys are important? Do you know what it takes to keep them healthy? Our health practitioner, aromatherapist, and herbalist all offer some helpful tips for kidney health.
Next week, as we commemorate our Lord’s death and resurrection, may we also remember the Passover, Israel’s redemption from Egypt, which is recognized on our calendar from March 25-April 2. Let us join our Messianic brothers and sisters in celebrating the physical and spiritual significance of this event. For Jesus, our Messiah, also became the physical embodiment of the Passover, that we may be redeemed from the bondage of sin.
Happy Easter!
, Editor
