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On a superficial level, food appears to be a purely physical matter, totally removed from the spiritual spheres. However, our Sages teach us that food can serve as a spiritual tool when used properly. The Mesilas Yesharim writes that man has the ability to elevate the mundane into the spiritual realm. When food is eaten with the purpose of acquiring energy to serve Hashem, food is elevated into a spiritual substance. The bracha recited before eating helps to achieve this goal, granting a spiritual dimension to a physical action. Because food has such a lofty purpose, Chazal gave us special instructions to ensure that we treat it with respect.

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This article first appeared in the cRc Pesach Guide 2019.