How much can you take

"Feeling the Burn: 21 People Singe Feet During Hot Coal Walk at Motivational Event"

Pretty catchy title. Would you walk on coals? Have you ever tested your limits? Do you know how much you can endure?

Strength is always something I've admired in people. Someone who won't give up. Someone who won't let weakness or defeat overcome them.

It is a daily challenge. We are presented with so many scenarios throughout our day that test our strength. Maybe we are not under the threat of death or expulsion. Maybe we do not have a fear of going hungry or finding a place to sleep tonight. But every little decision that you have to make requires strength.

I never understood why people complain so much about fast days. In the days of old, great Tzadikim used to fast 2 days a week. We can't go a mere 15 hours without food? Are we that weak?

What about Pesach. I roll my eyes every time I see an ad for 'Kosher le'Pesach pizza bagels!" or 'Kosher lepesach ketchup'! How is it that people cannot go 8 days without the foods they normally eat? Do you not know how to adapt? Can you not recognize the change and separation and deal with it as such?

Yes, the 9 days are hard. They are supposed to be hard. I keep forgetting the whole shower ritual, cold water, washing one limb at a time. I sleep with one less pillow on Tishu Ba'av. But is everything really a cause for complaint?

I was struck by a thought- this is what a mourner goes through, and thank G-d I have not and G-d willing will never know from such things. I don't know how to mourn. I am so used to my every day normal schedule that I need to brush up on the laws. Can we clip our nails? Is it better to buy new clothes or wash if you run out?

Do you need motivation in your life? Do you need to walk on hot coals to prove to yourself that you have inner strength? Maybe the real problem is that we are just lazy. Maybe we look for excuses to complain.

Stop complaining. Why do we need 'sefira' music during this time? Why can't people refrain from music altogether? What is with Jews and finding a substitute for everything they can't have? Is there no such concept of going without? Of adapting?

Try finding your inner strength. Fuel it. Make do with less. I'm sure you'll surprise yourself.