RECENT PROGRAMS:
An exciting
PURIM PROGRAM
Drumming and music
was held on Sunday, March 9 at 2 pm
at the
Oscar & Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living
Somerset, NJ
pictures coming soon!
Feel good about your body--and the food you put in it
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2007 5-6:30 PM
Do you struggle with eating? Do you know someone who cringes when she looks in the mirror and suffers from low self-esteem because her body doesn’t fit the “ideal”? If so, you are far from alone. Ohr Tikvah Jewish Healing Center presented, in early October, a special program designed to address these issues and help individuals learn how they can break free of the struggle around food.
America’s fascination with weight and body image leads to spending over $40 billion dollars a year in the diet industry. In addition, there are many media outlets that encourage our societal reverence for the “ideal” body and promote unhealthy eating.
“The Jewish community has its own unique difficulties in these areas,” explains Dr. Leslie Becker-Phelps. “Given that food is so central to Jewish culture and tradition, it is a natural lightening rod for Jews struggling emotionally.”
According to studies, Jews are well represented among the more than 10 million Americans each year who have eating disorders. Jewish culture also emphasizes meeting a high standard of excellence, which is a central theme for people who struggle with eating disorders.
“If you are struggling with issues related to eating and body image (whether or not you have an eating disorder), you are suffering,” adds Dr. Becker-Phelps. “Ohr Tikvah’s intention with this program is to provide information to those who may be suffering or who have loved ones who are suffering, so they can learn how they can break out of the cycle and live more healthy lives.”
A panel of experts addressed the psychological, physical and spiritual aspects of this complex topic. The panel, whom we thank for their skill and time, included:
Ms. Kim Leatherdale, a licensed counselor and art therapist, and Ms. Leslee Oliu, a registered dietitian and medical nutrition therapist, talked about how body image is formed and how it is linked to health and self-esteem. They also will explain how to combat the negative messages we receive from the media and the community we live in, and invite participants to ask questions and share their stories.