Torah uses the same language to describe fasting on Yom Kippur as it does to describe living off manna in the wilderness. (Deut. 8:3)

In fact, the Talmud uses this as evidence that fasting on Yom Kippur means depriving yourself of physical food.

But there is more to this comparison.

Both provide a blissful, spiritual pleasure.

Both nourish the body and the soul more than any earthly food.

There is, however, one difference.

In the wilderness, the manna descended from heaven to reach us.

On Yom Kippur, we ascend beyond the heavens to experience it at its origin.

What is that origin?

The delight the Maker of heaven and earth has in each of His children.

Maamar Vayancha 5675. 5723.