Beyond Orthodox Conversion to Judaism

"Rabbi Shimon said, 'If three have eaten at a table and have held no conversation of Torah, it is though they have eaten of sacrifices offered to the dead (idols) as it is said, 'For all their tables are full of filth without the presence of G-d. But if three have eaten at a table and have conversed of Torah, they are as though they have eaten from the table of G-d, as it is said, 'He said to me: This is the table which is in the Presence of the L-rd.'"

Why is it so  bad that if one eats with others and they don't speak words of Torah? If they don't speak anything forbidden is that such a tragedy? Rabbenu Yonah explains that since three people are considered a group it only appears that they are eating for the sake of their own enjoyment and throwing off the yoke of heaven.

The reason this is so severe is because one may just eat and drink for their own enjoyment and take G-d straight out of the picture. They will then live their lives by the old adage eat, drink and be merry lest tomorrow I die.

If on the other hand, they speak words of Torah then they have showed that they have proper intentions because they are eating and drinking to sustain their bodies to better serve G-d. Even such a mundane activity as eating can have the highest level of sanctity if done right.

We acknowledge G-d's goodness by speaking words of Torah and implementing its ideas. If not, we just give into and are controlled by our desires which is equivalent to idol worship. If we don't serve G-d, then we serve ourselves!

This may at first glance seem to be harsh but in reality there is a tremendous lesson to be learned. G-d is all around us and we have the opportunity to sanctify His name even with the most mundane of actions.

This is a great opportunity that we should not lose and it will give us greater awareness of G-d's role in the world and our obligation to Him!