Finding Holiness

By Orly Shafir
KOACH Intern
University of Arizona

One concept I have always loved about Judaism is the way that people take the physical and make it spiritual. Even the simple act of eating can be made more holy by reciting a prayer beforehand and by keeping kosher. We can bring a little Judaism into our lives by incorporating Jewish law with aspects of both everyday and out of the ordinary routines.

For example, saying a sheheheyanu when we see a great sunset or share a fun evening with friends sanctifies the moment. By realizing that the world is bigger than us, it can help us appreciate the simple pleasures in more ways.

This same concept of making the normal spiritual can be applied to sexuality. Unlike other religions that only see sex as means for procreation, Judaism allows for a broader definition. Sexual intimacy is more than just an act, it is for the purpose of bringing couples closer, creating Jewish children, and even observing mitzvot. Western religions that see sex as a necessary evil are inhibiting natural desires, whereas Judaism embraces them and incorporates spirituality in the process.

The Torah’s concepts of intimacy and sexuality can help as a guide to improving relationships. The Torah discusses ideas of dating that we can all apply to our lives, such as the importance of attraction and a relationship that is not only based on physical intimacy. College is a time of fun. However, incorporating some Jewish spirituality into our dating and ideas surrounding sexuality will bring a little holiness into our lives and maybe even enrich our relationships.

[Posted 12/3/04]