A Little Higher

Any animal that has a cloven hoof that is completely split into double hooves, and which brings up its cud —that one you may eat. (Leviticus 11:3)

All of us have an animal inside. Without it, we would never eat.

Only that this inner animal, to serve its purpose, must remain a kosher animal. And to do that, it needs hooves.

Hooves are like built-in shoes for animals—they lift them just a little above the earth.

Your animal, as well, needs to stay just a little above the earth.

When you eat, pause for a moment beforehand. Say a blessing on your food. Say it proud and clear.

That way, rather than your food pulling your animal down, you and your animal will lift your food up.

It's not a matter of being an angel. Walk on the earth.

But if you don't want to sink into the earth, you need to walk just a little higher.