Healthy Body, Healthy Soul

Most people around here are Torah-observant Jews. And unfortunately, most of them are extremely out of shape. And I’m not just talking about a few extra pounds. I’m talking about a lot of extra pounds. A large percentage of children are also on the heavier side, and more than a small minority are obese (a body mass index over 30.)

Here’s how you can calculate your BMI. It’s a rough estimate, but enough to hopefully get you motivated to start getting in better shape.

Obesity is a growing epidemic (pun intended) throughout all developed countries around the world. But what bothers me is that there are so many overweight, out of shape religious Jews.

It seems to me that much of the focus on spirituality is in many ways excluding the fact that we’re physical beings living in a physical world. I am so bothered that many people live with an “either/or” mentality, and don’t think there can be a healthy balance between living in the material world and the spiritual world.

I am a Torah-observant mother of five, and I’m at the gym at least 3-4 times a week. I do an hour of Zumba followed by 45 minutes of intense weight training. I don’t eat junk, except for one day a week during my cheat day. At 39, I’m in the best shape of my life. I feel strong, energized, self-confident, and most importantly, happy.

My connection with Hashem is growing each day, and I know a lot of it has to do with the fact that I’m taking care of my body. People like Rav Brody and I are great examples of living well in both worlds. It’s not only possible – it’s the way we’re supposed to live.

I don’t know how or when this spiritual/physical divide started, but it’s got to stop. We’re paying for our false sense of righteousness with our lives. I believe that the best way to be spiritually enlightened and connected with Hashem is to take care of your health first.

Let’s talk about this whole idea that the body is a vessel for the soul. If that’s so true, then why are so many of us not taking care of our bodies? What is this nonsense with buying tons of sugary drinks, sweets, and just plain garbage for food? Why is 95% of the supermarket filled with absolute trash??

It is heartbreaking for me to see shopping carts filled to the top with nothing but junk, junk, and maybe a few cucumbers and tomatoes. And then I’m amazed why people are so shocked that so many of us become seriously ill with all kinds of terrible illnesses, Hashem have mercy.

But in fact, this phrase is wrong. And unfair. Why are we crying to Hashem to have mercy? Aren’t we the ones who are destroying our bodies with chemicals, sugar, preservatives, and loads of other toxins? Aren’t we the ones destroying our immune systems with toxic vaccines (flu shot included,) antibiotics (most of which are unnecessary,) and tons of other medications that create more problems than they treat?

What do you want from Hashem?? Why are you complaining to Him about your health troubles?? Is His Divine Hand coming down from heaven and force-feeding you that second or third piece of chocolate cake that you’re eating “in honor of Shabbat”?

Wouldn’t it be more honorable to Shabbat and to Hashem to live a healthy lifestyle?

Imagine if you gave someone a gorgeous, expensive kiddush cup as a gift. And this fool, instead of taking care of it, uses it to drink cheap cola, lets it tarnish, and drops it repeatedly on the floor so it gets dirty and bent out of shape. How happy would you be?

And how foolish would you think that person is, if he blamed you for destroying his cup, as if it were your fault?

It’s time we put these two areas of life back together. If you want a healthy soul, you must have a healthy body. I don’t care how spiritual you think you are. If you eat garbage and don’t do some sort of physical exercise, you’re not giving your divine vessel the care and respect it deserves. In this case, you have only one person to blame for your chronic health problems – yourself. You definitely can’t blame Hashem.

If you want to take your connection with Hashem to the next level, start getting in shape. Start giving your body actual food and not junk. Join a gym and start exercising! Hire a personal trainer for the first few times to help you figure out the best routine for you.

Eating junk is okay every so often. The problem is that the general unhealthy lifestyle is contributing to so many illnesses, and all of them are to a large degree completely preventable. I’ll discuss this further in future articles, G-d willing.