Q: One of the blessings in this parsha is that food will be so abundant that we will have difficulty finding a place to store it! If that's the case, what need is there for us to be nourished by even a small portion of food? Why bless us with an abundance of food that we will not require in any case?

A: Some people derive great enjoyment from a fine meal, and they will be blessed with the means to eat to their heart's content. Others are more parsimonious by nature, or would rather "grab a quick bite" than sit for a full meal. They too will be blessed by receiving the nourishment and satisfaction they require from even a small amount of food.

The Torah allows for one to partake of the pleasures of this world in greater or lesser quantity according to individual needs and reasonable desires. While the Torah demands moderation in all aspects of life, it neither demands nor recommends abstinence from physical pleasure. In fact, the bracha of being able to get by with less than what one would normally require is only alluded to, while the bracha of abundance is explicit.

Extremism in worship of Hashem is appropriate for individuals who can best serve Hashem in this fashion, but such behavior is not meant to be mainstream, nor should we assume that ordinary people should strive for such behavior as an ideal in and of itself. Only when such a lifestyle is clearly conducive to spiritual growth to the individual should it be attempted. Otherwise we can safely live within the bounds of the Torah, content in a holy existence that uplifts our physical actions and pleasures to the level of divine worship.