The Jewish people have special concerns, approaches, and attitudes about health and wellness, due in part to certain illnesses known as “Jewish genetic diseases,” such as Tay-Sachs, Niemann-Pick, Gaucher, and others. Beyond these genetic diseases, however, the entire range of topics and issues related to health and wellness has long been of great interest to the religious and secular Jewish community. Jewish tradition has developed many special approaches to health and health-related issues, based on the hallowed traditions and precepts found in the Torah, its commentaries, and the vast literature written by rabbinic authorities throughout the centuries. Similarly Jewish secular culture has developed many special attitudes and approaches to the issues in this book regarding women’s health, nutrition, raising children, caregiving, and other special issues.
The Hadassah Jewish Family Book of Health and Wellness, written in collaboration with Hadassah: The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, known throughout the world for its leadership as a major force in health research and education, provides a much-needed resource and guide to physical health and spiritual issues that are of concern to Jewish families.
Book Reviews
"This book explains how so many of the health decisions we need to make in the contemporary world are tied to our ancient texts and traditions. Full of wisdom and insights, this book belongs in every Jewish home--no matter how young or old you are, and not matter if you live alone or with others. Written in an easy to read format, this book invites you to pick out a chunk and contemplate what it says, and then to choose another chunk whenever you are ready."
—Dr. Jehuda Reinharz, president, Brandeis University
"This novel blend of religious and scientific information is a unique resource for families interested in preserving optimal health and curing illness."
—Marianne J. Legato, M.D., professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons; founder and director, Partnership for Health at Columbia
"A healthful lifestyle is a cornerstone of Jewish teaching. Hadassah WZO has provided a provocative, practical, accessible, and highly readable guide to prevention of disease and enjoyment of life to the fullest. And it does so from a uniquely Jewish perspective. This outstanding guide offers answers from medical experts, rabbis, caregivers, and other health professionals on how to live long and well and triumph over life’s adversities. Words of Jewish wisdom and advice on health, the care of the body, medical and environmental ethics, diseases, healing, and more make the Hadassah Jewish Family Book of Health and Wellness a must-read."
—Carol Diament, Ph.D., former director, Hadassah’s Jewish Education Department
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