Elul Learning Challenge

Pleasure

The purpose of life is to attain pleasure. Not just physical pleasure, but realizing that there is meaning in life and that our actions on Earth make a difference.

WEEK 3 August 22 - 28

Rabbi Noah Weinberg, of blessed memory, was the dean and founder of Aish HaTorah. For 50 years, his visionary educational programs brought hundreds of thousands of Jews closer to their heritage. R’ Weinberg used to say, “Imagine pleasure as horsepower. Pleasure gives you energy. If you have pleasure, you are raring to go with the confidence to tackle difficult jobs. You can put up with a lot of aggravation, because the power you get from pleasure propels you.”

Rabbi Weinberg taught that God loves us and created us to get the most pleasure out of life; that He does not need anything from us -- it is all for our own good and that there are five levels of that pleasure. Level 5 is the gratification of our appetites: indulging in good food or drink, 
engaging in physical activities, experiencing all the pleasures of the senses. Level 4 is the feeling of love, the real love we have for a partner, 
 our children, our parents and siblings and cherished friends. Level 3 is having a sense of purpose; the belief that we are here 
 for a reason and that our lives have meaning. Level 2 is our power to “partner with God” and create something of value, 
such as building a career, composing music, or creating a family. Level 1 is feeling connected to the Divine and 
 pursuing a relationship with God. One should regularly ask oneself "What is this pleasure really doing for me? Am I using it to dull reality, or energize me to move forward and accomplish?" When used wisely, physical pleasure is a steppingstone to higher pleasures.

Rabbi Weinberg taught that God loves us and created us to get the most pleasure out of life; that He does not need anything from us -- it is all for our own good and that there are five levels of that pleasure.

Level 5 is the gratification of our appetites; indulging in good food or drink, engaging in physical activities, experiencing all the pleasures of the senses.

Level 4 is the feeling of love, the real love we have for a partner,
our children, our parents and siblings and cherished friends.

Level 3 is having a sense of purpose; the belief that we are here for a reason and that our lives have meaning.

Level 2 is our power to “partner with God” and create something of value, such as building a career, composing music, or creating a family.

Level 1 is feeling connected to the Divine and pursuing a relationship with God.

One should regularly ask oneself "What is this pleasure really doing for me? Am I using it to dull reality, or energize me to move forward and accomplish?" When used wisely, physical pleasure is a steppingstone to higher pleasures.

  • To waste anything in life is foolish; to waste pleasure is absurd.
  • The body is to the soul like a car is to the driver. Keep the body feeling good so the soul can tackle what life is about. 
  • We live in a “pleasure world.” Make sure you get the true, lasting pleasures.
  • Watch out that you don’t use material pleasures as a way of running away from life.
  • Over-indulgence drains self-respect.
  • To get the most pleasure out of life, be full of vitality and purpose.
  • Savor your pleasures like a gourmet.
  • Translate all your pleasures into energy for living.
  • When you have a cup of coffee, you feel good. Now how will you apply that burst of energy?
  • To maximize any physical experience, make sure to get the “meaning” behind it. 
  • Don’t retreat from life, elevate it.
  • Wisdom is a delicious flavor. Translate the energy of a good ice cream cone into wisdom.
  • Don’t get lost in a bag of potato chips

Get It The Way You Want It

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