Op-Ed: Shabbos V’Nishmartem, The Way The Rambam Explains The Pesukim

by Shmarya Richler – health@richler.org

This week is Shabbos Nachamu. We also lein Parshas Vo’eschanaon, the highlight of which is the Aseres Hadibros. Much has been written and said about both and the fact that they occur together. So, it’s quite understandable that two pesukim in our parsha do not get as much attention. 

They are pesukim 4:9 and 4:15:

Maybe the pesukim would be remembered better if we were change the trop on the word V’Nishmartem to an Azla-Geireish as in the famous “Ko’eleh” that everyone loves to yell out on YomTov!

All kidding aside, these pesukim are the sources for the Rambam’s statement in Hilchos Deot about exercise and healthy eating. At first glance these pesukim are not referring to guarding one’s health at all.  Yet Chazal rely on them to derive the imperative of guarding our health. (For further research see Levush Ateres Zahav, Siman 116:1). At any rate, based on Rambam Hilchos Deot we are obligated to take care of our health by exercising and eating properly. And, as it is a Mitzvah, we have the Nesinas Koach to fulfill it.

So, this Shabboss would be a good time to make hachlotos regarding our health. And if you are a Shliach or Rabbi perhaps you can spend some time during your drasha this Shabbos talking about this.

Healthy Eating

Don’t do anything drastic. Don’t go on one a fad diet. 95% of all dieters fail. If you saw an ad for a sky diving school that said that only 5% of parachutes open, would you jump out of their plane? Don’t cut out any one food group. I’ve heard people say, “cut all carbs”. This is a recipe for disaster. The body needs carbs. The only thing I would tell you to cut out is sugar sweetened (or other sweetener) soda. Try to decrease your portion size. I’ve talked about the brain registering fullness only 15-20 minutes after eating. Trick yourself by using a smaller plate. Cut down on junk food and for snacks turn to nuts, fresh fruit etc. Drink water and seltzer. The key is moderation. I’m not telling you to cut out anything completely. Are you a late night snacker? Prepare some healthy snacks earlier in the day. That way you won’t gravitate to the tub of ice cream.

Believe me, it’s do-able. Someone once told me “Shmarya, you don’t understand; food and me, we have a relationship”. Yes, you do but it’s an abusive relationship. I got rid of 75 pounds. I’m not telling you this to boast. I’m telling you this because I understand that it’s not easy. At one point in my journey the scale did not move for six months. Don’t pick a specific number of pounds you want to lose. Do it in small increments, 3-5 pounds at a time. That’s how I did it. If I can do it so can you. And no, it’s not because I run. That was only 10 percent. The rest is resolve and patience. And you must run faster than your fork!

Exercise

Try to set aside 30 to 40 minutes to do some vigorous exercise. What is vigorous exercise? Anything that gets your heart pumping. Walk at a brisker pace than you are used to. Get on a bike (don’t forget the helmet) and pick up the speed a bit. Take your pants and shirts off the treadmill and use it. Same goes for the stationary bike. Go to a gym. Just do something. Six months from now what you consider vigorous today will be easy. The key is to start slow and build up. For example, if you start using a treadmill, start with 15-20 minutes a day for a few weeks. Then add 5 to 10 minutes for another few weeks. Start at a slower speed and then when you get comfortable with that increase the speed slowly over time.  As I wrote in my last article those 30 minutes will translate into one hour extra in your day.

I’ll close with an Igros that a friend of mine showed me recently. As I told someone this morning upon showing it to him “Dos alein iz a Nesinas Koach” (This in and of itself is empowering)

Wishing you a healthy summer and as we are now approaching Av 15 I wish you a Kesiva V’Chasima Tovah for the upcoming New Year!