Understanding Obesity in the Jewish Community

Hello and welcome to our dedicated space for discussing and supporting individuals experiencing obesity within the Jewish community. Our site features a diverse range of professionals, therapists, and content focused on understanding and addressing obesity in the Jewish community.

Unique Challenges of Obesity in the Jewish Community

When individuals within the Jewish community struggle with obesity, which is often shaped by distinct cultural and religious factors, it represents a specific set of challenges faced by this group. Stigma, attitudes toward weight and body image, cultural expectations around food, and religious practices can all impact the experience and management of obesity in the Jewish community. Often, cultural and religious factors play a role in how obesity is perceived and approached. It can affect physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and participation in community life.

Watch the videos below to gain insights from Jewish health professionals, therapists, and advocates. These resources offer extensive knowledge on supporting those facing obesity within the Jewish community, providing expert guidance and culturally sensitive approaches.

Professionals Who Specialize in Obesity

Esther (Ellen) Gendelman

Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC

  • Remote only
  • $150 - $150 Per Session

I employ a positive, nurturing approach focused on identifying and building strengths that work more successfully than focusing only on the areas of weakness.


"I believe that close connections are the essence of a fulfilling life. Without meaningful relationships, life can feel dark and lonely. In my practice, I've found that a positive, nurturing approach centered on identifying and building strengths, drawing …

Aliza Greenbaum

Life Coach

  • Remote only
  • $75 - $150 Per Session

Aliza Greenbaum coaches women using CBT, guided imagery, meditation, & breathing techniques to help clients overcome anxiety, blocks, & negative patterns.


"I lost 60 lbs. after doing inner work. I believe that people already hold the answers they need to achieve their goals. What they often need is a safe space, a sounding board, and a few simple yet …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Meir Sigel

Certified Emotion Code and Body Code Practitioner

  • Remote only
  • $150 - $300 Per Session

Meir Sigel is an Orthodox energy healer who uses Emotion Code & Body Code to release emotional blocks, ease anxiety and pain, & support deep, lasting transformation.


"My approach is direct, intuitive, and deeply personalized. Every session is focused on uncovering and releasing the emotional and energetic root of what’s holding you back. I use the Emotion Code and Body Code to identify blocks most …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ”₯ Energetic

Roxanne Singer

Psychiatrist, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-BC, AGPCNP-NC, AGNP-C, CDCES

  • Remote only
  • $250 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

I believe in incorporating a range of traditional and functional modalities to create a personalized, collaborative treatment plan.


"My approach is centered around the patient, taking into account their unique needs and preferences. I believe in incorporating a range of traditional and functional modalities to create a personalized, collaborative treatment plan. By combining conventional medicine with …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Raina Balsam

Coach

  • Remote only
  • $147 - $247 Per Session

Raina Balsam is a mindset coach who empowers her clients as they uncover their untapped potential & break through self-imposed limitations that have held them back.


"The key to unlocking your true potential lies within you. It requires the commitment to invest your time and resources in prioritizing and creating it... What do you really want? We invest in things that matter to us, …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • πŸ”₯ Energetic

Frayde Yudkowsky

Therapist, LSW, LMSW, CTP

  • In-office Lakewood, NJ
  • $225 - $225 Per Session

Frayde Yudkowsky, LMSW helps her clients heal physically, spiritually, and emotionally from the grip of shame and suffering and embrace themselves.


"Inclusive, Evidence-Based Healing for Systems, LGBTQIAPD+ Folks & Complex Trauma Survivors Real tools. Deep attunement. No one-size-fits-all. At THRIVE! Mental Health, our approach is trauma-informed, intersectional, and radically client-centered. We honor the whole youβ€”your identities, your parts, your …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🎨 Creative

Chaya Spigelman, PA-C

Psychiatrist, Physician Associate - Certified

  • Remote only
  • $200 - $400 Per Session

Chaya Spigelman, PA-C, provides holistic psychiatric care for women experiencing PMDD, postpartum, infertility, & menopause via integrative, personalized treatments.


"At the heart of my work is a singular motivation: to help improve your quality of life in a meaningful, lasting way. If you’re navigating hormone-related mental health challenges and longing to be seen, heard, and understood by …

  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🎨 Creative
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Elisheva Allon

Dietitian, RD

  • In-office Lakewood, NJ
  • $45 - $125 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Elisheva Allon is a Frum Dietitian in Howell


"As a nutrition counselor, my approach is centered around encouraging my clients to listen to their bodies and trust their own internal signals rather than relying on strict diet rules. I believe that by focusing on how different …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

David Outevsky, PhD, MSc

Personal Trainer & Wellness coach

  • In-office Manhattan, NY
  • $79 - $135 Per Session

David Outevsky is a personal trainer & wellness coach specializing in postural correction, cardiovascular conditioning, martial arts, dance, & Pilates.


"I take a whole-body and mind approach to training, focusing on mobility, flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. My goal is to help clients create lasting improvements in their health, from correcting postural habits to addressing movement imbalances. The …

  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Michelle Halle, LCSW

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Lakewood, NJ
  • $250 Per Session

Michelle Halle is a Frum Therapist in Lakewood


"All healthy relationships are based on trust and our therapeutic relationship will be the same. It will be a unique experience, a type of relationship found only in the therapy room. We will work together to understand your …

  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🧘 Calm

Tzipora Hastings

Dietitian, RDN

  • Remote only
  • $90 - $180 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Tzipora Hastings is a Frum Dietitian in Baltimore


"To me, nutrition is so personal! You are unique and require special attention to your needs. However, you are also not alone. There is a community of others experiencing similar challenges and I hope you can find comfort …

  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Rebecca Herman, RDN CDN

Dietitian, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

  • Remote only
  • $150 - $185 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Rachel Herman, RDN, offers a collaborative and empowering experience focused on helping her achieve their health and wellness goals.


"In my approach to nutrition counseling, I prioritize personalized care tailored to each individual's needs and circumstances. I firmly believe that one size does not fit all when it comes to nutrition, so I invest considerable effort in …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

1-1 Breakthrough Session

1-1 Breakthrough Session by Raina Balsam, Coach

You will be cleansed, healed, and blown away from your new insight after our session. Access a deeper level of yourself to reach incredulous joy and a satisfyingly soothing, rich,…

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Understanding and Supporting Obesity within the Jewish Community

Obesity is a complex health issue across various communities, including unique considerations faced within the Jewish community. While the broader medical understanding of obesity exists, the intricacies of cultural norms, religious practices, and community dynamics within the Jewish community add layers of complexity. Navigating obesity within the Jewish community can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds, highlighting the need for awareness and tailored support.

Strategies for Supporting Obesity in the Jewish Community

Effective support for Jewish individuals experiencing obesity necessitates approaches that are culturally and religiously attuned. This encompasses medical care that respects religious beliefs and cultural practices, community support networks that provide a sense of belonging and understanding, and accessible resources for nutrition education, physical activity, and lifestyle interventions. Tailored programs and educational initiatives are developed to address the specific facets of obesity within the Jewish community. It's crucial to seek professional guidance to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring improved physical and emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. It's important to note that our professionals are experts in their fields, bringing both specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of cultural nuances to their work.

Our directory features professionals, including Nutritionists, Coaches & Therapists, who offer culturally sensitive support for those navigating Obesity within the Jewish community.

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