L’Chayim

Joseph Henson President

Doctor’s orders: Take two hours of shul every Shabbat with a glass of Kiddush wine and a nice meal. You will feel better.

For many, this is a truism. However, for others, the physical and psychological health benefits of religious participation or spirituality are controversial and increasingly not universally embraced. One way this trend can be seen is through declining participation in organized synagogue and/ or church affiliation. In 1990, only about 5% of the population de-claimed any religious affiliation versus 29% in 2000.

However, a number of professional studies indicate people who are in ill health can benefit from religious or spiritual belief. There is a large volume of research that indicates that people who are more religious and/or spiritual have better mental health and adapt more quickly to health problems compared to those who are less religious and spiritual. Harvard Review reported a positive benefit, saying, “within the experience of serious illness, empirical research reveals an indelible connection between medicine and spirituality — broadly defined as the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose, and experience connectedness to self, others, the significant or sacred.”

In light of this, of the approximate 150 U.S. medical schools, a substantial percentage now offer formal training on the connection between spirituality, religious belief and health outcomes. Medical schools offering course work are not limited to just those with a church affiliation but secular universities as well, for example, Duke, Northwestern and University of Chicago, among others.

There seems to be a general societal expectation that doctors can and should cure everything. But, despite the incredible success rate of TV doctors, actual practicing physicians are not always going to be able to cure the sick. What then?

Within the extended Beth Tikvah family, those who are ill can take comfort knowing that their Beth Tikvah family remembers them during the Mi Shebeirach prayer, they will receive calls from the rabbi and other Temple members with words of support and other forms of facilitation. Beside maintaining a social connection when one may feel ill or isolated, religious faith or spirituality can help the ill and their families cultivate positive emotions of inclusion that are good for their mental and physical well-being.

Beth Tikvah, as a religious body, knows that providing religious and spiritual support is a meaningful part of fulfilling its mission. This important element of Rabbi Chorny’s clerical mission is not limited to supporting only Beth Tikvah members, as he extends the benefits of pastoral care to the wider community in the Greater Naples area. Rabbi Chorny is active with area hospitals, nursing homes and hospice centers. He is available to respond to the needs of their patients and residents when needed.

Articles espousing good health tips are everywhere. So here is my health tip: Eat your fruits and vegetables, get a good night’s sleep and join Beth Tikvah.

In closing, and on behalf of Beth Tikvah, may I extend to everyone our very best wishes for a sweet, happy and especially healthy New Year 5784!