Footnotes
1.
Cf. the admonition of the Maggid of Mezhirech: “A small hole in the body causes a big hole in the soul.” (Maggid Devarav Leya’akov, Addenda, sect. 191)
2.
Physical infirmity (including the weakness incurred by fasting) undermines the powers of the mental faculties, “for it is impossible to understand the subjects of wisdom and to meditate upon them when he is ill or one of his limbs is aching” (Maimonides, Hilchot De’ot 3:3 and 4:1).
3.
Hilchot De’ot 3:3 and 4:1; and cf. Moreh Nevuchim 3:27, that the welfare of the soul can only be achieved after obtaining the welfare of the body.