Physical pleasure is God's gift, but put it in perspective.



The Talmud states that when we get to heaven they will ask if we have tasted
all the delicious fruits on earth. This implies that we are encouraged to
engage in physical pleasure. Eat, drink, and be merry. Don't feel guilty.
Try that new flavor of Ben and Jerry's. The Almighty created us with
tastebuds that know exactly how to absorb pleasure from food. He created
wonderful tastes in all kinds of foods and food combinations: salty,
crunchy, cheesy, sweet, sour, spicy, etc.



But in order to stay happy, we have to keep physical pleasure in its place.
It's not a substitute for dealing with life. It shouldn't be an escape. You
shouldn't let it control you.

Food seems to work best for us when it accompanies a special occasion or
Simcha. A birthday, bas/bar mitzvah, a wedding, or holiday meal. Nowadays,
just having the family around the table at the same time is a special
occasion worthy of celebrating.



In short, food is best used for happiness when it accompanies and expresses
your joy, rather than being used as a source or happiness itself.