FAITH, FASTING, AND RITUALS OF RESTRAINT Fuel for the Soul
In this month’s cover article, I shared my experiences undertaking a successful juice fast while in law school. Although I fasted as a means of improving my overall health at the time, millions of people around the world incorporate fasting into their regular religious practices. Here are four major religions in which fasting is a fundamental practice. Practitioners of Judaism follow multiple fasting days throughout the year. On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, observant Jews abstain from a host of luxuries, ranging from eating and drinking to wearing leather and bathing. On the Jewish holiday Tisha B’Av, followers fast from sundown to sundown as a way of acknowledging and mourning various historical catastrophes that have befallen the Jewish people.
Buddhists fast at various times throughout the year, including as a form of self-restraint or as part of meditation retreats. They are encouraged to use their fasting periods as times of generosity, meditation, and personal reflection. In addition to following food restrictions, they often abstain from sexual activity and harmful behaviors, such as lying to others, during these periods. In Islam , Muslims observe Ramadan, a holy month of self- improvement, soul purification, reflection, and increased empathy
for others who are struggling. Practitioners fast from dawn to sunset each day, typically breaking their fasts with water and dates before engaging in prayer, followed by a fuller meal. Naturally, these are just brief overviews of how these faiths embrace fasting for spiritual purposes. Like life itself, every religion has nuances that are too extensive to be explored in a single article. That said, it is clear that many faiths utilize fasting for reasons that extend beyond physical health. It’s not about shrinking your stomach; it’s about strengthening your soul!
Mouthwatering Mini Cheesecakes INGREDIENTS • 12 oz package vanilla wafers • 16 oz cream cheese, softened • 3/4 cup white sugar • 2 large eggs • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 21 oz can cherry pie filling In Christianity , followers most commonly practice various forms of abstinence during Lent, the 40 days preceding Easter Sunday. During this time, some Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, dairy, and other foods, often reducing their overall food intake. Additionally, some also give up television, social media, and other modern comforts during this time. Fasting is also common in Buddhism , which considers it a means of improving one’s discipline, compassion, and mindfulness.
Take a Break
DIRECTIONS 1.
Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In two 24-cup miniature muffin pans, line each space with a paper liner. 3. Using a food processor or resealable plastic bag, crush vanilla wafers into a fine crumb. 4. Press 1/2 teaspoon of crumbs into each paper liner. 5. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. 6. Fill each miniature muffin liner with this mixture, almost to the top. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheesecakes are set. 8. Cool completely in the pan. 9. Top each mini cheesecake with about a teaspoon of cherry pie filling before serving. Enjoy!
DREAM EQUALITY FESTIVAL GROUNDHOG
HEARTS KING LINCOLN MUFFIN
PANCAKE RABBIT ROSES
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
404-418-8244 | BRAUNSLAW.COM
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator