Parasha: Vayera – And He appeared
Torah: Bereishit 18:1 – 22:24
This week’s parsha has a verse that caught my attention and provokes the question, “Did ancient humans use their “food” for it’s medicinal value more than nourishment?”
Bereishit 18:5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort (refresh) you your hearts;
Here are a couple of verses that may help us understand the role of “food” in their lives.
And wine that makes glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengthens man’s heart. (Ps 104:15 )
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. (Pr 14:30 )
A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. (Pr 15:13 )
A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones. (Pr 17:22 )
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so does the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. (Pr 27:9 )
There are many stories and verses that tell us how our ancestors used different plants to produce some remarkable results (healings) in their lives.
Their knowledge may have been more advanced than we are aware of.
Think about the “mandrakes” that Leah gave to Rachel to help her conceive or the “wood” that Moshe threw into the water to take away the bitterness. Remember how Ya’akov cut strips into tree branches to alter the reproductive patterns of his flocks?
Can you think of a story or verse that tells us more about how ancient humans lived?
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