By Lorne Opler
As a community, we have just collectively congregated in synagogues across Buffalo on Yom Kippur to atone for our sins of the past year, to both ask G-d and our fellow brothers and sisters for forgiveness, and to vow to do better, be better, and act better in the coming year. In short, what we performed on Yom Kippur is what is called in Hebrew, a “cheshbon ha-nefesh,” – an “inventory of the soul.” Of the soul. But what about the body? How can we take stock of our souls, nurture and safeguard our souls if we don’t equally take stock of and nurture the vessel in which our souls are encased? If our spirit and our bodies are intertwined, which they are, then should we not also be taking a “cheshbon ha-goof” – an “inventory of our bodies” at this time as well? And what better time to do this, as we enter a new Jewish year to rededicate our efforts not just to act better, but to live better too…to focus as much attention on repairing our bodies as we vow to repair our spirit, our soul.
Sounds very much like the perpetual, secular “New Year’s resolution” to get in shape, right? But surprise! The notion of “getting in shape” is not only just secular suggestion. It is a Jewish one too.
The commandments to “watch yourself” (or “safeguard your soul”) comes from the Book of Deuteronomy (4:9 and 4:15). The words “Ushmor Nafshecha” (verse 9) and “V’Nishmartem m’od l’nafshotechem” (verse 15) have traditionally been considered to be the Torah law obligating us to safeguard our physical health. Yet if we research any list of all the 613 obligatory mitzvot we are commended to perform, there is no mention anywhere of the mitzvah to safeguard our physical health. So, what’s the story here?
Rav Yaakov Peretz, z”l (1936-2024), Rosh Yeshiva (head Rabbi) of the Shehabar Sephardic Centre in Jerusalem and an ordaining Rabbi of the Jerusalem Rabbinical Academy, said: “Whenever there’s a general rule which applies as a basis for the observance of other mitzvot, the rule is NOT counted as a specific mitzvah because it counts as a fundamental observance necessary for ALL mitzvot.” In other words, the safeguarding of one’s health is so important and serves as THE necessary pre-requisite for all other mitzvot, that it doesn’t need to be a “stand-alone” mitzvah itself, as ALL mitzvot are dependent on our ability to safeguard our physical health. In fact, Rav Yaakov Peretz, who was also Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem’s Neve Yaakov neighborhood was a proponent of regular physical exercise.
But one cannot present a discussion about Judaism’s emphasis on physical health without focusing on one of our faith’s most illustrious Rabbinic scholars – the Rambam – Rav Yosef ben Maimon (Maimonides). The Rambam was not just an illustrious Torah scholar, he was also a physician who wrote extensively on the importance of diet and exercise. Most of his writings on the topic were composed in his epic compendium, the “Mishneh Torah” (literally a “repetition” or “second” Torah) written between 1168-1178 and consisting of 14 sections. The first section is called “Sefer Hamadah”, or “Book of Knowledge” and sub-section #2 is called “De-ot” focusing on proper behavior.
Some quotes of Ramabam on healthy eating include:
- “One should take care to eat and drink only in order to be healthy in body and limb,” (chapter 3, verse 2).
- “A person should never eat other than when he is hungry and never drink other than when he is thirsty,” (chapter 4, verse 2).
- “Overeating is like poison to anyone’s body. It is the main source of illness,” (chapter 4 verse 15).
- “As long as one exercises, exerts himself greatly, does not eat to the point of satiation and has loose bowels, he will not suffer sickness and he will grow in strength. (chapter 4, verse 14).
- “For those who overeat regularly, this is the way of the wicked,” (chapter 5, verse 2).
Finally, in Rambam’s famous treatise, “Guide to the Perplexed” he even talks about exercising the body to be healthy, and affirms those who engage in “ball games, wrestling, boxing and suspension of breathing.”
It’s clear: Far from the notion that eating healthy and exercising regularly is a modern-day trend, The Rambam is proof that taking care of bodies is as much part of our Jewish faith as it is our Jewish obligation.
So go have a swim or a run, ride a bike, take a yoga class, join a pickleball game, or whatever gets you mobile and moving…and commit to get fit in 5785. It’s not just fun…it’s a mitzvah!
Lorne Opler is a Professor of Fitness and Health Promotion at Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario, a health writer focusing on exercise for older adults and exercise for mental health, and a certified personal trainer. You may contact Lorne at: [email protected].
