Celiac of the soul

For He hath satisfied the longing soul, and the hungry soul He hath filled with good (Psalm 107:9)

Not long ago we found out that our son has celiac disease. Celiac disease is a disorder of the digestive system. If a person with celiac disease eats foods containing gluten (a protein in wheat, rye, and barley) it causes damage to the lining of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of vitamins, minerals and important nutrients. Failure to adhere to a gluten-free diet can result in other more debilitating medical conditions which I prefer not to even mention. Needless to say, it is vital to refrain from eating gluten which is a not an easy task, especially for a young man.  No more bread, pizza, cake or oatmeal cookies for him!

While he must endure the difficulty of having to live within these constraints, I find it a challenge to do the shopping. It is reminiscent of living in Canada when I would find myself constantly scrutinizing the labels for the recognized kosher symbols before I could put an item in my cart. (Of course, I still check in Israel, but it is much easier as it is unusual to find foods that are NOT kosher). Similarly, before Pesach, one would have to search for products that were identified as containing no kitniot, depending on one’s custom. Now, I am faced with the mission of looking for packages clearly marked ‘Gluten-free’.  Baruch Hashem, thank G-d, with advances in the food industry and the increased awareness of the needs of this group of people, there is a decent supply of these foods.

As with all specialty items, the added work that goes into providing their restrictive specifications is reflected in the cost. Just like the diabetic who will spend more to be able to enjoy some sweets, the celiac sufferer will gladly cover this extra expense to satisfy his or her hunger.  As I picked up packages of corn meal and gluten-free flour substitute to make my son some treats, a thought came to me. If diabetics or celiac sufferers will do whatever is necessary to care for their bodies, why don’t we go to such great lengths to nurture our souls? Someone with celiac, diabetes or lactose intolerance knows that eating certain foods will cause them to become sick, so they don’t think twice about steering clear of the forbidden ingredients. We try not to damage our bodies by ingesting harmful cuisine, yet we constantly hurt our neshamot (souls) by participating in questionable actions or possibly eating prohibited foods. Unlike a severe and fatal allergic reaction to a bee sting or nuts, the effect of gluten on someone with celiac sensitivities is not instantaneous. The damage only becomes apparent much later, and conceivably when it has already done irreparable harm. So, too, with our souls. We may not realize we are causing serious blemishes to our holy, spiritual self through some aspect of our present lifestyle, yet if we wait until we are facing the Heavenly Throne, it may be too late. If we show remorse and do teshuva (repentance) now, we can save ourselves a lot of grief later (and make Hashem proud at the same time).

There is also a parallel between the cost of special foodstuffs for celiac patients and observing the mitzvot (commandments). People often complain about the obligation to purchase so much paraphernalia in connection to our Holidays. With each upcoming Chag (Holiday), there is something else to buy; Sukkah, Lulav, Etrog, Chanukah Menorah, Purim Costumes, Mishloach Manot (food gifts), Kosher for Passover food, matzah and pricey, festive meals. Just as an expensive gluten-free chocolate cake brings pleasure to someone with celiac, beautifying each of these specific accouterments endows the participant with untold joy. Every Holiday has a distinct reason behind it and through these customs, Hashem directs us to enjoy our celebrations in abundant happiness. The financial outlay may seem to be a burden now, but the effort of fulfilling the mitzvot brings invaluable rewards. If we are asking ourselves why we must spend so much money just to be Jewish, we should try thinking of our souls as having celiac disease or any other unique illness. While we go out of our way to do anything it takes to heal our body and live a normal life, this is the least we can do for our ailing neshamot as well.

With emuna we understand that everything G-d does is ultimately for the best and for a precise reason, whether we can comprehend it or not. At first glance, conditions such as celiac appear to be an unwelcome hardship but despite our lack of insight we must recognize they are really blessings in disguise. By cutting gluten out of his diet, our son is also eliminating all the unhealthy junk food and replacing it with more nutritious meals. That alone is a plus.

It is not by accident that someone is afflicted with limitations, either physically or spiritually. Our Father in Heaven created each of us with our own individual purposes and provides us with the tools we need to accomplish these goals. Having celiac, like being Jewish, puts a person in an exclusive class. We may not have asked for these gifts, but that is exactly what they are – sacred gifts, ours to be utilized for the good. In these days when stigmas can prevent someone from standing up in pride, it is imperative to shake off the cloak of shame and let gratitude shine forth, allowing us to soar to greater heights.  May it be G-d’s Will that illness and disease will no longer be necessary to bring us closer to Hashem, and may He soon grant us all eternal good health. Amen.