The Rebbe would often uniquely give a blessing that it should be good, “physically” “spiritually” and “both together”.

 

 

 

I have often thought why from everything a person could have is this the ultimate.

 

I believe, because a. first and foremost we need to be physically o.k. (whereas unfortunately some people make the physical their “spiritual”…) the Baal Shem Tov innovated to not reject the physical, rather to see it as the home of the soul, and the better the home the more relaxed (as is obvious – for the needs of the body, be they food, safety etc. are real, hence anxiety relating to not getting them, which is why in all circumstances, one must obviously do ones utmost to ensure that the body can feel that its needs will be met – otherwise this create inner anxiety which of course then effects our soul.)

 

Secondly, it is obvious that we need to nurture – and primarily – our soul – For it is our soul, our purpose, the meaning of life that obvoiusly gives both purpose and meaning to life.

 

And “both together” is really the innovation as mentioned of the Baal Shem Tov that these two drives are not only not mutually exclusive, they are complementary – the benefit of the body is the benefit of the soul and vice-versa.