Holy Eating and Drinking / Life and Death A Tzaddik controls and overcomes his physical inclinations even when he is permitted to engage in the pleasures of eating and drinking. Thus, he experiences no difference between life and death, for in either case, he serves God the same way — which is to say, free of all physical desires. But if a person is drawn to physical desires, then when he dies, he has an acute awareness of the difference between this world and the World to Come, since he misses the experiences of eating and drinking. And so at that time, he is said to be truly dead. Doing Everything with Holiness and Purity God, You Who revive the dead, renew me and keep me alive.

Help me conquer my evil inclination and gain control of all of my desires — even those for permissible pleasures. For instance, even on the days when eating and drinking are permitted, in the realm that our sages call “the half that is for you,” may I control my desires. As I engage in physical actions, may I do so with holiness and purity, for the sake of Your Name alone, without any bodily desire whatsoever.

Nullifying Desires Master of the world, tell my troubles, “Enough!”

Quickly free me from all of my appetites. Have pity on my poor soul that has been blemished by my evil desires.

Give me strength and counsel at every moment to nullify my desires until I will attain true and eternal life — both in this world and in the World to Come.

When the time comes for me to leave this world, may I perceive no difference between this life and life after death.

May I always serve You in truth, whether in this world or in the World to Come. May I remain alive even after I pass away, among the Tzaddikim, who even in their death are called living.

“I will not die, but I will live, and I will tell the deeds of God.”

“My soul, return to your rest, for HaShem has dealt bountifully with you. You have rescued my soul from death, my eye from tears, my foot from stumbling. I shall walk before HaShem in the lands of life.”

“The dead will not praise God, nor all those who descend into silence. But we will bless God from now and forever. Praise God.”

“You have rescued my spirit from death, my feet from stumbling, so that I may walk before God in the light of life.”

“Do not abandon my spirit to the grave, do not allow Your pious one to experience destruction. Let me know the way of life, the satiety of joy before Your countenance, the pleasantness at Your right hand forever.” Amen and amen.