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Writer's pictureLily Aronin

Yom Kipper: Finding Balance Through Abstinence, Addiction, and Spiritual Growth



Hi friends,


As we approach Yom Kippur, I’ve reflected on our incredible journey over the past year in our Bitachon classes. It’s been a year of growth, learning, and deep spiritual connection. This past week, we delved into some powerful and timely topics that resonate deeply as we prepare for the year's holiest day. I’d love to invite you to join me in this transformative journey—one that’s grounded in our Jewish values and rooted in health, wellness, and personal growth.


This week's class was all about abstinence, addiction, self-discipline, and authenticity—topics that are particularly relevant in today's fast-paced, material-driven world. Here’s a bit of what we covered and why it’s important to reflect on these concepts as we head into Yom Kippur.


1. The Power of Abstinence & Spiritual Growth


In the class, I shared some personal reflections on my recent fasting experience and how it helped me confront my dependency on caffeine. This led us to explore the character trait of abstinence, as described in the book *Lights Along the Way*.


Abstinence is about so much more than just giving something up—it's about creating space for what truly matters. Whether it's breaking an emotional attachment to food, coffee, or other indulgences, letting go can open the door to a deeper connection with God and with our truest selves.



2. Self-Discipline and Addiction: A Path to Freedom


Shulamit, a dear member of our group, shared her moving story of recovery from addiction. She beautifully connected her journey with the teachings from *Messilat Yesharim*, particularly around loving self-discipline. This isn’t about punishment—it's about caring for ourselves in an empowering and supportive way. I reflected on how self-discipline allows us to regain control over our actions and ultimately leads to greater freedom. Together, we discussed how these principles of self-discipline can help us overcome not just addiction but also everyday challenges.


3. Emotional Eating, Alcoholism, and Modern Coping Mechanisms


As a holistic health practitioner, I often see how common it is for women to turn to food or alcohol as a way to cope with stress. It’s heartbreaking to see the rise in alcoholism and emotional eating among women, especially within our community. In this class, we explored the need to break these unhealthy cycles and create boundaries around how we use food and drink. I encouraged everyone to reflect on the subtle addictions that may creep into our daily lives and think about how we can use the coming days of Yom Kippur to recalibrate.


4. Wealth, Minimalism, and Finding True Contentment


We also discussed the balance between spiritual growth and materialism. Drawing from the teachings of the Chafetz Chaim, I reminded everyone about the importance of reassessing our relationship with luxuries and necessities. Especially in today’s world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly seeking more. But the truth is, living a minimalist lifestyle can actually bring us more peace, freedom, and closeness to God. As we prepare for Yom Kippur, it’s a great time to reflect on what we truly need and what’s just excess.


5. Body Image and Self-Worth: Embrace Your Authentic Self


I know how many women, myself included, struggle with body image and the pressure to look a certain way. In the class, I encouraged everyone to embrace their authentic selves. We talked about how self-worth is not tied to appearance or external validation—it comes from within. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or just trying to feel good in your own skin, remember that you are worthy of love and care. Shulamit shared her own reflections on self-worth, which opened up a heartfelt conversation about supporting each other in our journey toward self-acceptance.


Join Us on This Journey


As we celebrate a full year of Bitachon classes together, I’m so grateful for the growth, wisdom, and community we’ve built. It’s been an honor to walk this path with so many incredible women, and I’d love for you to be part of it too. Whether you’re looking to deepen your faith, improve your health, or just connect with a supportive group of like-minded women, there’s a place for you here.


If you missed this week’s class, don’t worry—you can catch the full recording and all our previous sessions on YouTube. Each class offers a wealth of insights that will help you on your journey to becoming your best self.


Watch the Full Class Here


And if you’d like to stay connected, consider joining our WhatsApp group for real-time updates, reminders, and a community that’s always here to support you.


As we prepare for Yom Kippur, now is the perfect time to reflect on your growth and set new intentions for the year ahead. Together, let’s create a year filled with purpose, connection, and spiritual fulfillment.


With love and gratitude,

Lily Aronin


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