Rabbi Dr. David J. Zucker on a spring whose waters never fail

Spiritual Hydration

In the summer months, a ubiquitous sight is people walking around with bottles of water. To no great surprise, bottled water companies now offer Designer Water with flavor variations such as Mango Peach or Strawberry Orange. Where I live in the Rocky Mountain region this is not only a summer phenomenon. Due to the altitude, it is common to see people drinking bottled water year round.

We live in a society where an inordinate amount of attention focuses on our physical wellbeing. Around the globe Health and Fitness Clubs exist, many of which are open the proverbial 24/7/365. On many food products the FDA or its equivalent list statistics such as calories, fat and sodium content. That we focus upon, and – literally and figuratively – pay attention to our physical health has some virtue.

Yet, should this be the centerpiece of our concern? Are there not more vital issues at stake? What of our spiritual health? Staying physically hydrated is a necessity; yet we also need to become, and then stay, hydrated spiritually.

Daily prayer, and/or daily meditation helps maintain spiritual hydration. Regular connection with sacred texts provides nourishment that sustains spiritual health. Acts of kindness and compassion, and acting in a godly way, are means by which a person can achieve spiritual hydration.

Understanding God to be the source of spiritual hydration is not a new concept. Jeremiah addresses God as the Fountain of Living Waters (Jer 17:13; cf. 17:7-8). Micah’s challenge to walk with God (Mic 6:8) reflecting similar words found earlier in the Bible in Deuteronomy to follow God’s path (Deut. 10:12-13) expresses another way to connect to the Living Waters that our souls require. I see this acted out on a regular basis at Shalom Park where I serve as the full-time chaplain. This manifests as the care and concern of both staff members and of one resident for another exhibited by a quiet hand offering help, or a smile of encouragement across the table. These are ways that people walk with God. They are acts of holiness and serve to provide spiritual nourishment.

For most of us, physical hydration is something we consciously think about, which becomes a premeditated act on our part. We bring along a water bottle, taking occasional sips to maintain our water balance. We imbibe early and often, before we “need” this hydration. Our corporeal bodies are tuned to our physical needs, causing little doubt when we are suffering from a lack of moisture in our cells. The need for spiritual hydration in our lives does not send such clear physical signals. It is up to us to be intentional in feeding this needed part of our lives, in whatever way works best for us. When we do this, we will be like the image in Isaiah (58:11), a well-watered garden, a spring whose waters do not fail.

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