“Like the deeds of the land of Egypt where you dwelled — you shall not do.” (Vayikra 18:3)

The Ramban quoting Chazal explains that we are warned to distance ourselves from the Egyptians’ adulterous culture. A person may think he would never commit these disgraceful crimes however the Torah cautions us to be meticulous about avoiding these sins lest we find ourselves acting similarly.

The Creator knows us well and warns us: “Don’t believe in yourself [until the day of your death].” One who sees the punishment of the sotah is urged to become a nazir — only this will prevent him from committing such a shameful act. (Merosh Amanah Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach) 

The people ofIsraelwere still reeling from the Egyptian exile. Their hearts bore nothing but scorn and loathing for this stubborn immoral nation which tortured and tormented them. Why is it necessary to repeat the obvious warning “The deeds of thelandofEgypt… you shall not do?”

Because one day they will forget. A day will come when they’ll need those words of warning. Emotional inspiration doesn’t last forever.

$c$Just as the physical body has a constant need for food even one who sleeps long will feel the urge to sleep again after some time. One who makes an oath to refrain from sleeping for three days is incapable of fulfilling his words. Weaker individuals need to eat and sleep often while others can go for longer periods without food and rest.… Ultimately we must replenish our physical needs on a consistent basis” (ibid.). $c$

Every Wednesday I find myself asking the same question: “What’s for supper tomorrow?” On Sunday we ate Shabbos leftovers. Monday I made fish on Tuesday pasta. Wednesday was chicken and potatoes. But Thursday? By Thursday both ideas and groceries are running low.

“Just a minute” calls a lazy voice from within. “Do they really have to eat every day? It’s simple; just announce that today there’s no supper! There was supper yesterday and the day before and last week and tomorrow and the day after there will be a meal as well. But today’s a day off.”

Sounds ideal but what about the ravenous kids charging into the kitchen all memories of lunch gone? It makes no difference that yesterday they had a filling nourishing meal. They’re hungry again. And how!

The same holds true for the spiritual soul. One person may hold an inspiring experience in his heart far longer than his friend. However every person without exception has a limited time frame beyond which he needs to start learning again! (ibid.) 

What about my soul? It struggles every day with bad middos and desires longs for higher goals yearns to do mitzvos build a Torah home and be a shining example for my children?

My inner self requires chizuk guidance courage and empowerment. Is it supposed to produce them on its own? Doesn’t it need to be nourished and energized; to recharge on a daily basis?

Since kindergarten I imbibed lessons on chesed tefillah and Torah. In seminary I heard inspiring lectures about the Jewish mother a Torah home tzniyus and avodas hamiddos. Buoyed by hope and good intentions I set off on the path to real life.

And what happened then?

Then I found myself fighting an uphill battle that dented my weapons and drained my powers. In this war I have to resist temptation and stare down paralyzing fears with only emunah.

But do I restock with fresh deliveries of emunah hashkafah and chizuk? Or do I set off to battle fueled only with the leftovers of a meal consumed years ago?

This is the meaning of the pasuk “And it will be if you listen to My mitzvos that I am commanding you today.” Chazal comment that the mitzvos should be as fresh and new to every person as if he heard them that very day. The soul cannot live on the messages from yesterday — it must be nourished every day anew. (ibid.) 

Our souls are hungry again. There are books shiurim inspiring evenings phone chavrusos and inner reflection.

Come beckons my soul. Rejuvenate. So many neshamos are waiting around your table. If you’re empty what will you give them?