Why Eating on the Ninth of Tishrei Is Called a Fast: At-One-Ment and Lifting the Sparks of the World

Here's a little pre Shabbat Biblical mystery to unravel. In addition to the well known verse in Leviticus where G-d commands us to fast on the Tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei (the month we are in now)

there is another verse, lesser known but still very much Biblical; where G-d commands us to fast on the Ninth of Tishrei. So what's up with that? Are there really two fasts? Well we already know the answer to that. That being the case what do we do with this verse?

One of the classic answers is that being that the OBLIGATION to EAT the day before—is considered so important, THAT eating is called a fast. So this counterintuitive emphasis on eating on the ninth— prior to the fasting on the tenth is so vital a component, that it is on par with the sacredness of the fast!

I love that so much about Judaism. It's as if to say that though G-d WANTS us closer to him through abstaining from the world around us both mentally and physically— he doesn't want us to get lost in the abstinence. He reminds us that closeness is not automatically synonomous with deep and profound connection. One could be distant geographically to another but so closely connected soulfully. The exchange of empathic understanding, bolstered by a mutual extending and receiving of support, encouragement and validation, can be experienced as a far more profound and soulful bond than the one achieved through mere proximity.

So before Yom Kippur we are obligated to eat, not just one meal, but two, as a reminder that the Day of Atonement is an extraordinary treat, where we get to greet G-d as his out of the world best. But we aren't ATTACHED, because WE ARENT even a separate existence. Hence the day of At-One-men. But it's one day. Because the goal of existence is to cure separateness through ATTACHMENT. So the notion of fasting as eating before fasting is a Personal Kabala lesson from G-d himself— reminding us that Yom Kippur is only one day because we don't roll with the notion of detachment from the surroundings of the the world as a means to achieve a genuine connection with G-d.

G-d is like — "ok thanks for coming by, I appreciate the visit, but there are still so many captive sparks of Holiness out there in the world itself, each eagerly awaiting the unique light and gentle holiness that only you are capable of beaming prayerfully into the world. There are sparks that only you can release from captivity." And you releasing them is more important to me than having you sit around up here." G-d says "I need you to lift up your environment every day."Since Yom Kippur is a "day off" (which we both know you desperately need, which is why I mandated this!) from lifting the hidden sparks buried in the food of life, then be sure to eat EXTRA ON THE NINTH, lift up more, shine double the amount of light on the ninth day so that in an ironic twist, the holiest day doesn't end up costing the world it's indispensable man made dose of sublimation, leaving the universe with a spiritual deficit.

This is who we are! This is the G-d I adore. This one to whom I turn joyfully. This is the G-d I pray to when I pray. The one I believe in with all my heart and all my soul

Much Love,

Shabbat Shalom and GMAR CHATIMA TOVA!

Rabbi Yossi

RABBI YOSSI