According to our sages, our bodies are made of 248 limbs as defined and described in the Mishnah, and 365 tendons (sinews).

The 16th-century kabbalist Rabbi Chaim Vital discussed this matter at some length in his magnum opus, Shaarei Kedusha. “It is understood by discerning people that a person’s body is not the actual person. The body is simply the “flesh” of the person, as is written “You have clothed me with skin and flesh, and covered me with bones and tendons” (Job 10:11)… the actual person is the (soul); the body is merely a garment the soul wears…

The same way that a tailor will make physical garment in the shape of a body, G-d similarly made the body, which is the garment of the soul, in the shape of a soul, with 248 limbs and 365 tendons … (corresponding to) 248 spiritual limbs and 365 spiritual tendons… (So that) the 365 spiritual tendons of the soul “wear” the 365 physical tendons of the body …

…the food for the soul comes from fulfilling the Torah- G-ds wisdom, which includes 613 mitzvos (commandments) corresponding to the 613 spiritual parts. The Torah (the Bible, G-ds wisdom) is called “bread” as is written, “Come, eat my bread” (Proverbs 9:5). Each of the 248 spiritual limbs gets its nourishment from a particular mitzvah (commandment) that corresponds to that limb. When a person fails to perform that particular mitzvah (commandment), the corresponding limb will lack its proper nourishment…”

We saw the above understanding put into deed, with Rabbi M.M. Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who advised the observance of specific commandments for specific physical ailments. For Example: For people with eye problems, the Rebbe advised to be careful with the Kiddush and Havdalah, blessings over the wine when ushering in the Shabbat and bidding farewell to the Shabbat. With people who had generalized body health issues, like cancer etc., the Rebbe would suggest greater observance with the rules of keeping kosher.

Of course, going to a qualified doctor is as well imperative. However, what is most important, and what allows for a greater chance of success when dealing with the body, is addressing the core of our lives, the source of our existence, the soul. When the soul is healthy, the body is healthier.

Would you rather have a car with a shiny perfect body, but an engine that is sluggish and barely works, or if it is a choice, an engine that works perfectly, starts perfectly even in cold weather and always runs smoothly, but a body that isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed? The same is with our lives. Between the two, a strong and healthy, happy soul, is way more of a priority.

It is for this reason Rabbi Yitzchak Luria taught the importance of fulfilling all 613 commandments in thought, speech and action to bring our souls to perfection. Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, the Arizal, one of the greatest of all teachers in Kabbalah mysticism taught; A soul must keep on coming back to this world and being reincarnated, until it reaches perfection in all the above three areas of existence, thought, speech and action.

This, gives all the more reason and motivation to study as many aspects and laws of our 613 commandments, even those that don’t pertain to us individually, so that the aspect and dimension of the soul, related to those commandments, is brought to its perfection. The more we study and go through books like the laws of Maimonides, the more complete, the healthier our souls are, and the more healthy and stronger our physical lives become. Besides, putting it very simply, “Its ways (the rules of the Torah) are pleasant, and all its pathways are peaceful.”

I will end with one rule from Maimonides, in the laws of observing the Shabbat.

…….. In contrast, should one mount an animal, (on the Shabbat) one may descend even if one mounted it in conscious violation of the prohibition. This leniency is granted in consideration of the pain endured by the animal. Similarly, we may remove a load from an animal on the Sabbath, because of the pain endured by the animal.

Sensitivity, in avoiding pain to animals, when possible.