Commentary

Where Are The Jewish Wellness Initiatives?

I

n the Jewish community, we
believe in taking care of each
other. While we have demon-
strated this commitment in numer-
ous ways - like visiting the sick and
helping the less-fortunate - we've
neglected to take care of our health.
Like all Americans, members of
the Jewish community
have been eating more and
moving less, and we've suf-
fered the consequences.
It's no secret that we have
a food-centric culture, in
which celebrations and
holidays involve elaborate
meals full of fat and calo-
ries. We like to cook and
eat, but we don't like to
exercise very much, and
unfortunately, we're unwit-
tingly passing this on to
our kids.
Physical activity levels in Jewish
schools are lower than in secular
schools because of the dual Jewish
and secular curriculum, which
doesn't allow sufficient time for gym
and health classes.
Many Orthodox schools have even
fewer physical activities because

of limitations on coed exercise.
Although our lack of exercise and
poor diet stems in large part from
cultural issues, we've left the health
and wellness initiatives up to non-
Jewish organizations, which don't
always understand our culture
and the reasons that our health is
declining.
The good news is that
many non-Jewish organiza-
tions can serve as great
models for how to create
these types of programs
in our community. For
example, The Alliance for a
Healthier Generation aims
to reduce childhood obe-
sity through programs in
which schools, families and
doctors empower kids to
make healthier choices.
Another example is
Action for Healthy Kids, which gal-
vanizes children, schools and com-
munities to promote education
about nutrition and fitness.
The Jewish Community Health
Initiative (JCHI) is one of the best
examples of Jewish organiza-
tions that work to improve health

As we proceed, let's remember
that throughout history, some of the
greatest Jewish minds have stressed
that physical health is a core compo-
nent of our Jewish identity.
Let's act on this message and
make the Jewish teaching of shmirat
ha'guf - or taking care of the body -
part of our daily conversations with
community members.

❑

Aliza Wadler Solomon is a graduate student

of public health at Grand Canyon University

and works with Camp Zeke.

ocapb4:,

Parents Played Role
In Hoffman Case

I think it was totally parental neglect that when this young man became
difficult for the grandma, they did not come and pick him up. I think it's
tragic that they left him here in the grandma's care, and the situation came
to this. I truly blame the parents for this.

JN Survey

During last week's visit to

Israel, President Barack
Obama and Israeli Prime
Benjamin Minister Netanyahu

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met several times during the

three-day trip, which also
included a state dinner where
Israeli President Shimon

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Peres awarded Obama the
country's highest civilian

honor.

by emphasizing fitness and nutri-
tion. The organization, led by Dr.
Mendel Singer, a professor of public
health at the Case Western Reserve
Medical School, is cultivating part-
nerships with Jewish communi-
ties across the country to create a
Jewish health movement. One of the
JCHI's latest partners is Camp Zeke,
a new Jewish overnight camp that
focuses on fitness, organic food and
healthy cooking
While these organizations are
doing admirable work, we need to
strengthen them, talk about them,
help them grow and, hopefully,
inspire more social entrepreneurs to
do similar work.

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March 28 • 2013

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