The Torah way for healthy nutrition: the connection between the recommendations for healthy nutrition and the Torah values and the guidance of the Torah sages is presented through an illustrated book and a collection of articles, specifically tailored for the Haredi community.
This collection is intended for the general public and religious people. The recently published book "Those Who Delight in Preserving Life", uniquely combines the association between Torah values and guidance from Torah sages throughout the generations with the Ministry of Health’s updated recommendations for healthy nutrition (Hebrew), which help prevent disease.

These recommendations were written after a comprehensive and in-depth exploration, and offer practical guidance. The contents are presented in an article format in accordance with the weekly Torah portions and the holidays. They are presented in light and plain language and enhanced by delightful illustrations.
The book has gained the agreement of the Torah scholars.

What is the connection between life preservation and eating?

Usually, the term ‘life preservation’ is associated with ‘Hilchoth Shmirath HaLashon’ (laws of clean speech) rather than eating issues, although there is no contradiction in this regard. Maimonides (also referred to by the acronym Rambam), one of the greatest arbiters across generations, a polymath, and leader of the medical discourse, wrapped up the importance of Shmirath HaLashon (clean speech) and the need for protecting against damaging eating. This is his sermon in Mishneh Torah (Hilchoth Deoth 4, 15): What Solomon said in his wisdom: “He who guards his mouth, and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles"; Namely, he who guards his mouth from eating unhealthy food or from swearing, and his tongue from speaking except for his needs”.

Even at present, it remains widely recognized that healthy and balanced eating is a fundamental component of a healthy body, and it affects our strength which is dedicated to the worship of God. Clarity of mind in Torah study is possible only through good health, and diligently and energetically fulfilling mitzvot, finding joy in our faith, as well as approaching others with ease and friendliness. However, maintaining a balanced and healthy eating pattern over an extended period is definitely challenging, to say the least.

It is undeniable that managing our food cravings is one of our generation’s challenges. This is what ‘Ben Ish Chai’ (Pinchas Portion) wrote: “There is nothing that the evil inclination can use to gain control against a person like the desire for food and drink.” Namely, a pervasive battle against temptation is the challenge of craving for food.
"Those Who Delight in Preserving Life" is a Torah guide to enhancing the quality of life and healthy nutrition according to the weekly Torah portions and the holidays, intended for the general public and the God-fearing people who delight in preserving life.

Highlights and guidelines

Our hope is that these nutritional recommendations and information will integrate into the Haredi community's values and practices, guiding them in both routine and emergency situations.
Healthcare professionals and other organizations that work with the Haredi sector, both in the local authority and the community, will hopefully be able to leverage these tools in a variety of ways.
Consider the following suggestions for using the book:

• Studying the entire book with the option of printing it as a hard copy document.
• Producing the hard copy and distributing it as a holiday present for educational institutions, as part of an event, etc.
  The book "Those Who Delight in Preserving Life: Healthy Nutrition, the Path to the Torah Way for Good Health in Light of the Torah Portion” (downloadable file in Hebrew).
• Reading the articles in the book according to the weekly Torah portions and holidays in different settings or at home.
• Reading separate articles according to a Torah portion for separate use –download, print, or send each article separately on a designated delivery schedule.
• Establishing “a weekly corner for healthy nutrition” in Sabath leaflets, Kollel, educational institutions, workplaces, wide-range WhatsApp distributions, Kosher WhatsApp groups and more, where the articles will be published weekly.

During emergencies (in wartime):

• Distributing the hard copy document or the Torah portions separately to internally displaced people who stay in hotels or guesthouses.
• Sending the articles according to the Torah portion by email, designated WhatsApp groups and more.
• Incorporating the book into information sent to internally displaced people, etc.