Holiday Breaks usually make me reflect a lot on the addictions in our life. Everyone is addicted to something; the question is whether we can control the addiction or it controls us. I'm glad to say: Yes, I Can.
Tradition, religion, culture - all give us a fair opportunity to test the extent and severity of our addictions , and try to improve things (especially, in the area of the lighter addictions, to food and shopping).
In judaism, the most holly day is the Atonement Day (Yom Kippur).We are supposed to fast on that day to repent for our sins, ask forgiveness, and pray to be sealed in the book of life.
Regardless of the religious aspect, I know I would despise myself for not fasting on that one day, as the Fast helps prove to myself that I'm more than just an animal looking for food.
During Passover(Pesach) week, it is forbidden to eat bread. I'm a great lover of bread as are many other people. And yet, unlike some other people, I wouldn't dream of making "bread provisions" for this short period of time.
popular felafel booth- before Pesach
the same booth - closed for Pesach
(For the oriental jews, with roots in North Africa and the Middle East, life is much easier during Passover, as they're allowed by their rabbis to eat grains , seeds, legumes such as rice, corn, beans. I belong to the Ashkenazi jews with roots in Europe and their Passover has strict rules that don't allow the above).
Anyway, I say : once a year - fasting for one day and not eating bread for a week - see it as a chance you're given to test yourself, free yourself of bad habits, improve yourself. Take it, and make the best of it! Being able to control the smaller addictions will help you in your struggle with the heavier ones (if and when they come) like smoking, drugs, gambling.
at the supermarket (before Pesach) : pita bread, bread, cakes, cookies
Pesach - leavened food shelf covered with white plastic sheets
It's interesting to note that white is the color of preferrence during both holidays: white clothes on Yom Kippur, white garment for the jew leading the Seder meal on Pesach, and...at supermarkets, white cover sheets for 'chametz' (leavened food), just before Pesach.