$”2"

The “To-The-Point” ESTER

Conference Sign-up Sheets went public on

Wednesday. To schedule appointments from the comfort of your home, please refer to the email that was sent out on Wednesday, Dec. 8 for the link. If you are unable to find it, please call our office for that information.

Tuesday, December 14 – We have a videographer

(Jeffrey Reches) coming on Tuesday to spend the day with us. He has once again been engaged to produce a DVD for our Banquet.

(Almost) Mid-year Opportunity – The Girls’ Choir is now

having mid-year open enrollment. See attached info.

Montgomery County Hearing and Vision

Screenings

Starting on Monday, Mrs. Elaine Feldman will conduct Hearing and Vision Screening of children in K and 1 and those new to the County.

See Inside for a TSGW History-making Event.

Erev Shabbos Parashas VaYigash December 10, 2010 Licht Bentchen: 4:28 P.M. Volume XVII, Issue 13

Dear Parents, We have had four days of power-packed Chanukah happenings, marking the Yom Tov in numerous ways:

The daily singing of Hallel reverberated throughout our halls.

On Tuesday, our Boys’ Choir sang at Walter Reed in honor of the holiday, and their performance was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance (and by all the patients in military hospitals internationally who heard it broadcast live). Many thanks to Rabbi Biberfeld, to his very enthusiastic young men, and to Mrs. Gottlieb. In appreciation, the “army” prepared for us a post-concert reception, and each boy received a copy of the Tehillim printed for soldiers. Besides the stellar performance, the boys’ conduct was outstanding and exemplary, as verbalized by many in attendance.

Wednesday’s Chanukah Carnival was, as anticipated, a high octave, exciting, bursting-with- energy, festive, fun, “relaxing,” controlled “hecticity” activity. This, as you must know, is THE EVENT which the kids anticipate all year with great enthusiasm, and it really lived up to expectations. The children-created-and-run Chanukah-themed booths were original, beautifully decorated, full of ingenuity, and lots of fun. (I am almost always impressed with the results of giving responsibility to our boys and girls.) There were the four usual recurring holiday themes manifested in different ways – Menoros, Dreidels, Latkes, and “socking it” to the Yevanim. We had flying/tossing through “flames” of Chanukiyos and various types of Latke

flipping/tossing. Additionally, we had a great deal of dropping, ski-balling, bowling, magnetized fishing, a little agriculturing (Lollipop "Farm"), field goal kicking, and some legalized hitting (Hi Striker). Three of the newer innovations were:

• Rebuild the Beis HaMikdash. • Throw the ingredients of Sufganiyot into a

bowl. • Chanukah Olympics.

The kids were also able to Paint N’ Swirl, enter a raffle with over 70 winners, and bounce in the very moving Moonbounce. The standard “Candy Guess” was also quite popular, with participants able to give their “educated” guesstimates of the exact number of delightful delicacies in two different containers. Jar II, with 1,547 pieces of assorted health foods (none of them on the Soveya top 10 list), was won by Binyamin Broth, who was 22 short of the exact amount. Jar I, with 502 items highly recommended by our dieticians, nutritionists, and the ADA (American Dental Association), went to Aviva Broth, who guessed 503. Siblings winning both jars is a first in TSGW history (going back 16 years - to the last century). (Editor’s Note: A young lady, upon realizing that all the goodies were going to one address, commented about how cool this was. This was a great display of having an Ayin Tovah, being happy at the “success” of others.) (It is not necessary for the Broths to send me flowery thank you notes. However, I do expect words of appreciation from their dentists.) Of course, all kids won all sorts of small valuable prizes at each station and larger, priceless items at our official

$$””22"" TToorraahh SScchhooooll ooff GGrreeaatteerr WWaasshhiinnggttoonn

EE..SS..TT..EE..RR.. EErreevv SShhaabbbbooss ““TToorraahh”” EEvveennttss RReeppoorrtt

Redemption Booth (having nothing to do with Mashiach). A few other regular inclusions were:

Piped - in music (because things were already so calm and quiet).

Announcements which could almost be heard - due to the great combo of an expensive mixer, a large speaker, and a terrific mike. We express major mega Hakaras HaTov to our teachers, aides, and secretarial staff for their hard work and perseverance before, during, and after the Carnival - all of which was necessary to make the day so successful. Our kids deserve great praise for their fine behavior, cooperation, and assistance in a number of areas, especially with helping younger kids at booths and in finding their way around. In addition, a number of boys and girls went out of their ways to return lost punch cards and lost prizes to the rightful owners. In fact, our students’ outstanding conduct and consideration for others was an obvious highlight of the afternoon. The Sixth Grade Girls helped in numerous ways and did an unbelievable job clearing up their messy booth. We also extend our gratitude to the following who had the courage to come in and help make it all possible: Aviva Rosen, Daniel and Deena Hadar, Sharon (and Chana) Graff, Becky Langer and Co., Shulie Taragin, Jessica Eizenstat and her parents, (Mr. and Mrs. Gold), Naomi Schwartz, Rivka Goldstein, Arona Hes, Jill Michaels, Esti Soloff, Debbie Hager-Katz, and Anonymous (who returns to us yearly to run the Moonbounce),

We Say Todah! ♦ Our entire staff expresses HaKaras HaTov to all of our students and their parents for the very generous Chanukah gifts. ♦ Many thanks to the many Rabbeim/Moros who made Mesibos Chanukah for their classes. ♦ A very “tasty” appreciation goes to Sharon Graff for coordinating and picking up and to the following for sponsoring Rosh Chodesh Teves treats (not on the Soveya approved list): 1. The Gordon Family, in honour of Mickey’s 12th birthday. Mazel Tov! 2. The Hawk Family, in honor of the TSGW staff and Chanukah.

3. The Makovoz Family, in honor of Ayelet’s 11th birthday and Golda’s 8th birthday.

♦ Lisa Solomson has outdone herself (once again) by calling, emailing, ordering, running around, and Shlepping to make our Book Fair a success. ♦ Elli-Chai’s has provided us with the Book Fair’s Judaica.

♦ Rachelle Ferneau, Chaya Shinensky Melissa Miller, Debbie Cohn, Amy Mizrahi, Julie Vogel, Deborah Kerchner, Deena Hadar, Rivka Goldstein, Ira Unger, Sharon Shimoff, and Aviva Rosen have given of their time to “man” the posts at the Book Fair. ♦ Chana Biberfeld, for bringing our girls’ Chanukah cards (made under the direction of Mrs. Shinensky at last week’s Art/Music Festival) to the residents of the Hebrew Home.

Looking for a “Super Sunday”

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s SUPER SUNDAY is only 2

days away. This is the day when our entire community gathers together to raise critical funds for local and international Jewish needs with a special focus on Jewish education and Eretz Yisrael. As we are major beneficiaries of Federation’s generosity (to the tune of over $160,000 this year) and because they support so many worthy causes, we ask everybody to join us in volunteering on –

Sunday, December 12 at the

Jewish Community Center in

Rockville (10:00-3:00) (or D.C. (4:00-8:00) or Northern

VA (10:00-3:00). HELP:

Support local Jewish education.

Local charities. Eretz Yisrael. International Jewish needs.

This year everybody’s involvement is more crucial than ever before. When you register, please make sure to indicate that you’re from the Torah School. Info for signing up is attached.

Calendarial Anticipations Sunday, December 12 -

5th/6th Shiurim. Federation Super Sunday. Please make the time

to go to the JCC and make calls. Monday, December 13 –

6B/6G to Baltimore Aquarium – They are scheduled to return in time for 3:30 car pool.

Tae Kwon Do. Friday, December 17 – Fast of Tenth of Teves. Please consult your Rav before allowing your pre-Bar/Bas Mitzvah progeny to fast. Tuesday, December 21 –

2:00 Dismissal. No P.M. Day Care. Evening Parent Teacher Conferences.

Wednesday, December 22 – 10:00 opening. A.M. Day Care will begin at 8:30. Sunday, December 26 – 16th Annual TSGW Banquet at Beth Sholom in Potomac. Thursday, December 29 – 5G Colonial Day. Details TBA. February 27, 2011 – Eighth Annual Torah School Chinese Auction.

“T” Minus 16 and Counting In case you haven’t heard or read, our 16th Annual Dinner will start a mere 387 hours and 45 minutes from today’s 2:00 dismissal.

Once again, we remind you to make your reservations ASAP. This banquet is our largest single fundraiser of the year, and we require everyone’s participation to make it the success we need it to be.

Notice to Parents of Boys’ Choir Members

Your sons will be singing at the Dinner. They should arrive by 6:20 and should be ready to be picked up by 7:20 on the 26th.

We pray for a Refuah Shelaimah for: Tevi Troy’s father – משה בן פנינהדב . The victims of the fire in the north of Eretz

Yisrael. We extend condolences to Ephraim Greenspan, upon the loss of his father, Z’L. May Hashem comfort the entire family among the mourners of Tziyon and Yerushalayim.

We wish a heartfelt Mazel Tov to: Elisheva and Yossi Katz and the entire Mond

family, upon the occasion of Yehuda Baruch’s Upshearin. Many thanks to Rabbi Feldman and his First Grade Boys for introducing Yehuda Baruch to the delicious “taste” of the Aleph Bais. 2B, upon their completion of Parashas Noach.

May they continue to be blessed with Simachos.

Bon Voyage  We wish a Tzaisechem LeShalom to Maya and Isaac Kotek. They are taking their parents to Brazil for a six month

stay. We’ll miss them, and we wish them Hatzlacha in all they do.

Today’s Attachments Chosen Words. SOVEYA Newsletter. Super Sunday Flyer. Info for joining Girls’ Choir.

Ongoing Programs

We have completed Week 4 (out of 5) of Parshathon study. The very easy multiple choice test will be administered on Monday, December 20. Meanwhile, we ask you to help and encourage your sons and daughters to get sponsors for this very worthy cause.

Chemdas study and testing continue at a rapid rate, as thousands of points have already been earned.

Has It Been Fun Interspersed With Learning or Learning

Interspersed With Fun? The answer for this week may depend upon your perspective, but we’ve actually learned a bunch. We’ve:

Created a “Feathers, Fins, and Fur” bulletin board to show body coverings of various animal groups.

Created a “Me Museum” to showcase interests and hobbies.

Learned, from the first group of Pesukim in Sefer Shemos, about Hashem’s great love for us.

Learned, in Mishnah, about designated times for performance of Mitzvos, such as She’ki’ah/sunset, Tzais HaKochavim/time when three medium size stars can be seen, HaNetz HaChamah/sunrise.

Classified rocks and minerals. Acted out vocabulary words (e.g. peered,

giggled, snuggled). Had fun with using apostrop’he’s correct’ly (e.g.

contractions). Written original versions of the “The Ugly

Duckling.” Studied the life cycle of a frog. Drawn arrays to show the distributive property

of multiplication. Rewritten sentences by changing nouns to

pronouns. Practiced giving accurate directions. Written “I” poems. Worked on, putting, those “annoying” commas,

in the right place. Estimated quotients. Analyzed literary devices. Organized the organization trait in our written

work. Researched the Colonies. Recited special Tehillim for the release of Gilad

Shalit who has been captive since 2006. This was in conjunction with a project of a former student of Mrs. Scheininger, in honor of his Bar Mitzvah. This boy has organized 100 schools/shuls to Daven for Gilad Ben Aviva today.

Experimented with wedges. Explored prepositions that we will never end a

sentence with. Brainstormed (about all sorts of things).

Made science slogans related to preserving the Bay. (They are up in the hall around the 4B bulletin board.)

Enjoyed naming, rounding, comparing, and ordering decimals.

Identified (and spelled) igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock.

Learned to use figurative language. Read and rehearsed (for a performance)

Trickster Tales. Figured out elapsed times. Continued ”going through” Sefer Tehillim. Studied and, hopefully, put into practice our

daily Shomrei HaLashon lessons. Worked on that really hard skill – possessive

suffixes in Hebrew. Come to appreciate the highly charged,

emotional moment when Yosef HaTzaddik revealed himself to his brothers.

Hopefully, come away from Chanukah with a greater Ahavas Hashem and appreciation for the outer and inner beauty of Torah. This is in contrast to the solely external beauty for which the Hellenistic culture stood.

Good Shabbos!

Sincerely,

Rabbi Yitzchak Charner

Headmaster

December 12, 2010 Dear Parents and Students, We are pleased to announce the continuation of our Torah School Girls’ Choir for girls in grades 2-6 under the tutelage of Mrs. Miri Gottlieb. We will continue to schedule performances, with the young ladies singing only for women’s groups. Being included in our choir does require a commitment on the part of both parents and students. Girls are expected to participate in and be punctual for all rehearsals and performances. Extra rehearsals will also be required prior to performances, and they may be scheduled on Sundays. You will be given adequate advance notice for all special dates. Regular weekly practices for the girls will take place in school on Tuesdays from 12:00 -12:30. The kids will have the opportunity to eat prior to these times. The total cost for the rest of the year is $60, payable to Mrs. Miri Gottlieb. This amount should either be paid in advance or with post-dated checks (January – June). If you would like your child to participate, please fill in the form below and send it back to school on Monday, December 20. We look forward to working with your children, watching them grow, and having a fantastic year. Sincerely,

Rabbi Yitzchak Charner Mrs. Miri Gottlieb ________________________________________________________________________ I have read the letter about the school choir. I realize the responsibilities that participation entails, and I would like my child(ren), __________________________________________, to once again participate or to audition. Enclosed is payment for each child. ____________________ ____________________________ Date Parent’s Signature

Join us on Super Sunday where we will inspire, connect, educate and

support our community together.

(Download group registration form)

Questions? 301-230-7281

Get Involved, Donate and Volunteer.

Super Sunday is The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s premiere fundraising event to raise money for the Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. With locations in DC, MD and Northern Virginia, members of these communities join together by getting on the phones and talking with donors about how their gifts, big or small, can make a difference in people’s lives.

If you’re not one for making calls you can still participate in Super Sunday by volunteering at one of the three Super Sunday sites. Federation’s partner agencies will be on hand to explain their role in making our community stronger. If you cannot join us on Super Sunday, please answer when called, your support for Jews across the world is invaluable.

Washington DCJCC4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m. Concert by Jewish Rock Musician Rick Recht

JCC of Greater Washington 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m. Concert by Jewish Rock Musician Rick Recht

JCC of Northern Virginia 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Shalom Baby Playdate in The Romper Room

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. LEGO ® fun with Brixalot

FREE baby sitting available at all sites for toilet trained

Rabbi Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMC – Director p 1-888-8-SOVEYA (876-8392) f 443-379-0665 www.soveya.com info@soveya.com

Volume 4, Issue 10 6209 Western Run Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209

Copyright © 2010 by Soveya, Inc.

SWITCHH Newsletter (Soveya Wellness Initiative To Create Healthy Habits) Chanukah – Getting Our Hearts Back In It

based on a shiur given HaRav Yitzchak Sorotzkin, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva Telz and Mesivta of Lakewood

Torah thought on health and nutrition:

The commentator Bach, in the beginning of the laws of Chanukah, explains why the Greeks were given the opportunity to rule over Klal Yisroel, nullifying the daily sacrifice (Tamid offering), and rendering the oil for the Menorah tamei – unfit for use. He says because the Jewish people were lax in their avodas HaShem – in their performance and appreciation of mitzvos. They lost their simcha and their enthusiasm, especially in the continual, everyday commandments such as the Korban Tamid and the daily lighting of the Menorah (Ner Tamid). Their observance became rote, their heart wasn’t in it. Therefore, HaShem responded by removing these particular privileges through the vehicle of the Greek subjugation – measure for measure. CHAZAL (the Rabbis) tell us that the Greeks tried to make the Jews forget the Torah by prohibiting Torah study. They made a seemingly bizarre decree that the Jews should write on the horn of an ox that they have no chailek in HaShem – that they possess no unique and precious relationship with the Creator of the Universe - that they were just like everyone else. The Maharal teaches that the Greeks were reminding the Jews of the sin of worshipping the golden calf. But why was it necessary to bring up an episode that happened many centuries earlier? When Moshe descended the mountain and saw the transgression of the golden calf, he threw down and broke the Luchos (the two tablets he received from HaShem). This incident instituted the capacity for Torah to be forgotten amongst the Jewish People for future generations – for Moshe, after having received atonement for the nation, had to spend another 40 days on top of Har Sinai “relearning” the Torah that was lost and forgotten as a result of this transgression. So, what were the Greeks trying to prove? The Sifrei explains that writing this deflating pronouncement on the horn of an ox was a stark reminder of the distancing of the relationship the Jewish People created between themselves and HaShem no sooner than 40 days after having received the Torah on Har Sinai. This breakdown was manifesting itself again during the time of Chanukah and the Greeks were attempting to drive a wedge “so to speak” in order to increase the gap in the connection between Klal Yisroel and the al-Mighty. The Sifrei comments that this also represented a commonality of both tragic episodes – that the Jewish People separated themselves from HaShem and spirituality by indulging themselves in physical gratification. As we say in the second paragraph of Krias Shema, “And you will eat and be satisfied. Beware, lest your heart be seduced and you turn astray and serve other gods and bow down to them.” If a person engrosses himself in the excesses of this world, says the Sifrei, it takes him away from Torah. “Jeshurun (the Jewish People) became fat and kicked,” (Devarim 32, 15).

Because of indulgent eating and drinking, the Sifrei comments, their hearts were displaced. If we as a nation distance ourselves from HaShem and His Torah, we will incorporate (G-d forbid) false ideologies and improper perspectives as to what is important in life, and what values we should prioritize, what pleasures we should pursue. This, concludes, the Sifrei, leads to idol worhship. We stuff up our hearts with gashmiyus, preventing it from being able to be filled with ruchniyus. “Open my heart to your Torah, then my soul will pursue Your commandments,” we say at the end of every Shemoneh Esrei. The Vilna Gaon explains that yearning after indulgences of food clogs our arteries – both physically and spiritually. Therefore, he says, we have to ask HaShem to open up our hearts from pursuing our taivos so we can be receptive to HaShem’s Torah and blessings. The Jews did tshuva at the time of the Chashmonayim by regaining their excitement and chashivus (importance) of mitzvos. Then, the al-Mighty allowed the service of the Menorah and the avodah of the daily offerings to resume in the Bais HaMikdash. The Rabbis instituted the holiday of Chanukah as an expression of “praise and thanks – which is [sincere] service of the heart,” שבלב עבודה שהי,והודאה להלל . The only required physical action the Rabbis commanded us to take on Chanukah is to kindle a light for eight consecutive nights. The focus of the chag is praise, thanks and developing a sincere appreciation in our hearts for the incredible opportunities HaShem has given us through Torah and mitzvos - transforming rote and mundane routine to excitement and enthusiasm. When a person’s heart becomes used to extravagant physical pleasures, specifically indulgent eating, it has no feeling for ruchniyus, for Torah or avodas HaShem, warns the prophet Isaiah. There are few things we do more frequently than eat – yet this daily activity has the capacity to either provide us the essential nourishment for a healthy life, or G-d forbid the opportunity to run away with our own desires, causing great physical and spiritual harm. This was the tikun of Chanukah (the necessary spiritual improvement). That’s why our commemoration is concentrated primarily on service of the heart – for it was the heart that turned back toward HaShem, allowing us to “remember” our learning and regain our connection and conviction with Torah and mitzvos. Let’s keep this in mind as the plethora of jelly donuts and deep-fried latkes permeate our homes and shuls. Let’s ask ourselves if this is truly the way to access the awesome opportunity we have in our hands - to strengthen our connection with HaKadosh Baruchu and illuminate our journey of avodas HaShem through the bright lights of the holiday of Chanukah. Good שבת.

SWITCHH is a coalition of Jewish Day Schools committed to effecting real and lasting changes toward our approach to eating and nutrition. The Wellness Initiative uses a Torah educational approach combined with practical tools and the latest news and information to inform and empower parents, teachers and students about the obligation to properly care for our bodies by developing and enjoying healthy eating habits. SWITCHH is presented by Soveya, providing nutrition & wellness coaching, educational programs, teleconferences,

seminars and newsletters concerning healthy, nutrition, and obesity prevention.

Changing the Jewish World – One Pound at a Time

Easy & Healthy RECIPE CORNER

Good-for-You Things Come in Orange

People with high blood levels of alpha-carotene - an antioxidant found in orange fruits and

vegetables - live longer and are less likely to die of heart disease and cancer than people who

have little or none of it in their bloodstream, a new study reports.

Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed alpha-

carotene levels in blood samples from more than 15,000 adults who participated in a follow-

up study of the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988 to

1994. By 2006, researchers determined, 3,810 of the participants had died. Those with the highest levels of alpha-carotene were more

likely to have survived, even after the scientists controlled for variables like age and smoking.

QUICK TIP TO BETTER HEALTH

Scale Back on Weigh-Ins

Weighing yourself frequently can actually hinder, not help, the losing process. Weighing in can be discouraging for those

whose weight fluctuates. That's because water weight causes the number on the scale to go up and down.

A daily weigh-in may not paint an accurate picture of the true weight, and this can adversely affect the motivation of the

person struggling to lose weight. By placing too much emphasis on the number on the scale, there are those people who will

actually become discouraged and quit altogether.

If you're one of those people who lives and diets by the scale, maybe you should stick to weighing in once or twice a month, or choose another alternative method for measuring your success.

Another way to accurately monitor your progress is by

measuring inches of your waist, hips, arms and thighs and charting your measurements. This will truly show you what

you're losing and gaining.

Cauliflower Latkes

Ingredients: 2 lb. frozen cauliflower*, thawed, drained, and mashed; 2 eggs; 2 egg whites; 1 small onion; 1 clove garlic or ½ tsp. garlic powder; 1/2 tsp. onion

powder; 2 T. oat bran; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 T. olive oil.

Directions: Place eggs, onion, garlic, oat bran, oil, and seasonings in food processor, using the S-blade. Stir egg mixture with cauliflower.

Spray a pan with nonstick cooking spray. Allow to heat up and drop batter by tablespoonfuls into hot pan. Fry on medium flame for 2-3 minutes on each side. Let them brown before flipping so that they do not fall apart. With

each new batch, spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Can be kept in a warm oven at 170º F. Variation: Substitute broccoli* or spinach* instead of cauliflower.

*Suggested to use brands that are prewashed and checked for bugs

From Soveya’s Incredibly Easy & Healthy Cookbook (300 no sugar, No flour, recipes – all but a few gluten free & kosher for Pesach)

BUY FOR YOURSELF OR FOR THE PERFECT GIFT – ORDER TODAY!

News, information and practical advice:

Those with the highest concentrations of the antioxidant were almost 40 percent less likely to have died than those with the lowest; those with midrange levels were 27 percent less likely to die than those with the lowest levels. "It's pretty dramatic," said the lead author, Dr. Chaoyang Li, a C.D.C. epidemiologist. The study was published Nov. 22 in Archives of Internal Medicine.

Rabbi Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMC – Director p 1-888-8-SOVEYA (876-8392) f 443-379-0665 www.soveya.com info@soveya.com

Volume 4, Issue 11 6209 Western Run Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209

Copyright © 2010 by Soveya, Inc.

SWITCHH Newsletter (Soveya Wellness Initiative To Create Healthy Habits) The Immeasurable Value of Every Moment

Torah thought on health and nutrition:

To what extent does the Torah value human life? There are many sources in Chumash, Meforshim and Halacha that extensively illustrate the level to which we are obligated to extend ourselves to protect and

preserve our health.

There’s no more stark demonstration of this than the tragic case of a goses (deathly ill person). Any slight touch, movement or intervention

that could hasten the death of a goses is strictly forbidden under Jewish law – akin to murder. The Torah appraises every second of life as

immeasurably valuable.

With this in mind, we need to take to heart the following ground-breaking report just published in the world’s most respected medical

journal. We must look at it not just from the eyes of medicine, but more importantly, from the perspective of Torah and our obligation to react

accordingly. (New England Journal of Medicine – Dec. 1, 2010) Being overweight or obese may take years off your life, even if you don't have heart disease or cancer, according to a new study of nearly 1.5 million people. It might seem obvious that carrying too much weight can pose health risks and contribute to an earlier death. In recent years, however, some studies have suggested that being overweight has no effect on mortality. The findings and size of the new study, which was conducted by researchers at the National Cancer Institute and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, should settle the debate over the relationship between excess weight and the risk of early death, says Ali Mokdad, Ph.D., a professor of global health at the University of Washington, in Seattle. "Hopefully we can put this to rest and focus on what we need to do in order to help people get healthy and live longer," says Mokdad, who has studied obesity and mortality but was not involved in the new research. The study authors, led by cancer epidemiologist Amy Berrington, Ph.D., pooled data from 19 previous studies that included 1.46 million men and women between the ages of 19 and 84.

The link between weight and mortality risk has been difficult to pin down because many studies on the topic have included smokers and people with heart disease, cancer, or a history of stroke -- all of which are related to both obesity and early death. To zero in on obesity, Berrington and her colleagues excluded smokers (current or former) and people who had been diagnosed with those three diseases. Overweight and obesity were measured using body mass index, or BMI, a simple ratio of height to weight. A total of 160,087 people died during the studies, which lasted for an average of 10 years. Compared with women of normal weight (BMI between 22.5 and 25), overweight women were 13 percent more likely to die during the study period. Moderately obese (BMI 30 to 34) and severely obese (BMI 35 to 39) women were 44 percent and 88 percent more likely to die, respectively, while morbidly obese women (BMI 40+) were 2.5 times more likely to die. The pattern was similar for men. "The lowest mortality risks were for the people who had BMIs of 20 to 25," Berrington says. The findings make it clear, she adds, that being overweight is a risk factor for earlier death. Good שבת.

The SWITCHH newsletter is provided free of charge to schools across the country through the generous support of our underwriting partners including:

718-252-2332 1-800-875-0100

SWITCHH is a coalition of Jewish Day Schools committed to effecting real and lasting changes toward our approach to eating and nutrition. The Wellness Initiative uses a Torah educational approach combined with practical tools and the latest news and information to inform and empower parents, teachers and students about the obligation to properly care for our bodies by developing and enjoying healthy eating habits. SWITCHH is presented by Soveya, providing nutrition & wellness coaching, educational programs, teleconferences,

seminars and newsletters concerning healthy, nutrition, and obesity prevention.

Changing the Jewish World – One Pound at a Time

Easy & Healthy RECIPE CORNER

Ask the Glasers

I had a diabetes scare and lost 10 kilos (22 pounds), with a diet of reduced carbohydrates and reduced sugars. The doctor then said I didn’t have diabetes and I have since regained approximately six kilos by eating the opposite - because the scare went away.

Is there any diet tip that will tone my stomach muscles, except for exercise which I find difficult to do? And how can I lose the six kilos in a way that won't come on again because of overeating? I guess I need some tips on how to make healthy eating less challenging, but I don’t have patience to spend more than a few minutes preparing food.

I have seen that when I eat slowly and think about the food as I eat it, I feel full more quickly and less of a need to overeat.

Mrs. M., Jerusalem RESPONSE Nothing changes if nothing changes. The scare of getting diabetes was not fun, but was very healthy. Why? Because it’s good to fear things that can cause us to lose our eyesight, our limbs and even our lives (G-d forbid).

Being overweight is not merely an inconvenience or nuisance in our lives – it is the primary cause of most chronic and fatal medical conditions (see main story). You were willing to make necessary changes in your eating habits because you saw the consequences of not doing so – even if those changes were at first unfamiliar and required a certain amount of effort and commitment.

Our strongest piece of advice for you – MAINTAIN THAT CLARITY!

Nothing tastes as good as feeling good feels. No piece of chocolate, or extra slice of pizza is worth jeopardizing your health. It doesn’t matter what other people do, or what they eat. HaShem gave you your precious body to care for, no one else.

Go back to reducing sugars – in fact, try to eliminate any added sweeteners in your diet. It will help keep your glycemic index steady. Replace simple carbohydrates (e.g. bread, pasta, cake) with complex carbs (e.g. brown rice, barley, kasha, quinoa). Eat a moderate portion of protein per meal and try to have twice the amount of vegetables. Stick to single servings (don’t take seconds). Allow your body time to digest the food so you will feel satisfied and content, not feeling the need to overeat until you are stuffed and bloated.

The scale won’t move if your body doesn’t. There is no magic pill that will tone your muscles. Age appropriate exercise will. You have seen it for yourself. When you thought about eating and engaging in healthy habits, the results happened. You lost your weight. You can do it again. But you must maintain that clarity, take it one day at time, and try to always remember – nothing tastes as good as feeling good feels. The more you see the benefit, the less challenging it will seem.

Hatzlacha raba, Eli & Zakah Glaser

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Sneak in Nutrition

Even foods that may not seem very nutritious at first can actually be quite healthy with a few minor recipe

alterations. Often, the healthier alternatives involve adding non-traditional ingredients that boost the

nutritional value of the dish without significantly altering the dish's taste or texture.

A traditional meatloaf recipe may include: ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, egg, ketchup, spices. The healthy version will use ground turkey, oatmeal instead of bread crumbs, and tomato sauce instead of ketchup. You can also mix in pureed vegetables to add fiber and increase

the nutritional value.

For mashed potatoes, you can steam some cauliflower and mash it in with the potatoes. Mix in some Parmesan

and the cauliflower will be very difficult to detect.

Tofu has little flavor of its own and is a great way to add protein to many dishes. Tofu can be mashed and mixed

with ricotta for Italian dishes or pureed into soups.

Smooth & Hearty Split Pea Soup

Ingredients: 4 qts. Water; 2 lb. split peas; 6 cloves garlic, sliced in half; 3 small onions, diced; 7 carrots, peeled and sliced; 7 celery stalks, chopped; 3 bay leaves; 1 T. salt; 1/2 tsp. pepper

Directions: Boil water in a large pot. Rinse peas and add to pot. Add vegetables and spices. Bring soup to a boil, then lower to simmer for approx 1½ to 2 hours. Remove bay leaves. Puree soup and veggies with an immersion blender or remove soup and blend in food processor or blender.

From Soveya’s Incredibly Easy & Healthy Cookbook (300 no sugar, No flour, recipes – all but a few gluten free & kosher for Pesach)

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