The Great Paradigm Shift

Exploring the Challenge of Embracing Both Dimensions of Being Human

In recent times, Reb Shaya'la of Kerister has gained immense popularity. He was especially known for his dedication to feeding the poor and hungry under any circumstances, often performing miraculous feats to provide sustenance for those in need. Thousands of Jews travel to his kever every year, where they daven and also partake in lavish and sumptuous meals. This phenomenon has intrigued me, and my wife shed some light on it after reading his biography. She explained that Reb Shaya’la epitomized the concept of utilizing our materialistic aspects to enhance our spiritual growth. By attending to people's physical needs, they were able to attain spiritual well-being. Perhaps this is the attraction to the kever of this great man.

Being human often brings a sense of conflict. We are drawn to both the material world, focusing on our physical needs, and the spiritual realm, seeking deeper connections, how do we strike that balance?

One example in Judaism is that we have Chagim. These are ti…