Many people believe that improving their health means eating less food or constantly trying new diets. But for most people the real change happens when they focus on what they eat not just how much they eat. One of the simplest and most powerful changes someone can make is eating more whole foods. Whole foods are foods that are close to their natural state. These foods have little processing and usually do not contain long lists of added ingredients. Examples include fruits

One of the interesting details in this week’s parsha, Vayakhel–Pekudei, at the end of the Book of Exodus, is something many people miss. When the Torah describes building the Mishkan, it repeatedly says: “As Hashem commanded Moshe.” In fact, this phrase appears 18 times during the construction. Why repeat it so many times? Because the Mishkan was built right after the sin of the Golden Calf. The commentators point out a powerful contrast. When the people built the Golden Calf

In this week’s parsha, the Torah describes the construction of the Kiyor, the basin used by the priests in the Mishkan. The Torah tells us that it was made from mirrors donated by the women. At first, Moses did not want to accept these mirrors. Mirrors were commonly associated with vanity and physical appearance, and he felt they were not appropriate for something holy. But God told him that these mirrors were actually very precious. The Midrash explains that during the slave

As we mentioned in the last article, your body has a clock too. This internal timing system helps regulate when you feel awake and when you feel sleepy. When the clocks suddenly move forward for Daylight Saving Time, we instantly lose an hour on the wall clock, but how long does it take for our body clock to change? Our internal timing system adjusts gradually, which is why many people feel a little tired, foggy, or off during the first few days after the change. How long doe

This week the clocks change. We move the time forward by one hour. For many people, that one hour can make the morning feel much harder. But the truth is, our bodies don’t run on the clock on the wall. They run on an internal system known as the circadian rhythm, a biological clock that helps regulate when we feel awake, when we feel tired, and even how our hormones function throughout the day. One of the most powerful ways to keep this internal clock working well is somethin

Shabbat has come to a close, and now we recite the brachos of Havdalah. Many people look at their fingernails in the light of the Havdalah candle while reciting the blessing “Borei Meorei Ha’esh.”  But why? The Practical Explanation The blessing over fire should be made when we benefit from the light. Fingernails reflect light clearly, and the contrast between the nail and the surrounding skin helps demonstrate that the flame is providing usable illumination. A Symbolic Idea

One of the most dramatic moments in the Torah occurs in Parshat Ki Tisa. Moshe goes up Har Sinai for forty days to receive the Torah. When the people see that Moshe has not returned when they expected, panic begins to spread. The Torah says “Vayar ha’am ki boshesh Moshe”,  the people saw that Moshe was delayed. Chazal point out something fascinating. Moshe was not actually late. The people simply miscalculated the forty days. Their expectation was off by one day. But once anx

After the sin of the Golden Calf and Moshe’s prayers for forgiveness, Moshe makes an extraordinary request: “Please show me Your glory.” Hashem responds that no human being can see Him directly, but Moshe will be allowed to experience something described as seeing Hashem’s “back” but not His “face.” At first glance, this sounds very physical. But the Maimonides explains in The Guide for the Perplexed that these descriptions cannot be literal. According to the Rambam, Hashem h

Purim is now over, and with it comes lots of mishloach manot to enjoy. Eating the hamantaschen, cookies, candy, and all the wonderful foods left over from Purim is part of the celebration and part of the joy of life. But when you eat them can matter, especially if it’s close to bedtime. Several studies show that eating sugar too close to bedtime can lead to: Trouble falling asleep More nighttime awakenings Feeling tired in the morning, even after a full night of sleep Some re

By this point in the day, most people have had: Hamantaschen, Candy, Maybe some wine and Maybe not enough real food. If you’re feeling a little drained it might be that you haven’t eaten enough protein. Protein is what helps stabilize energy, support muscle, and prevent that late-day crash. Even if you haven't eaten enough protein throughout the day it is not too late. Research shows that while spreading protein throughout the day can be helpful, what matters most is total da

Purim is full of movement. Walking to hear the Megillah, delivering mishloach manot, standing and celebrating with friends and family. But we just fasted. That means your body may already be slightly dehydrated. Add Hamantaschen, candy, sugary drinks and alcohol, all of which can increase dehydration. This can make one feel: Lightheaded Headachy Low energy Unsteady on your feet One of the simplest ways to feel better tomorrow? Drink more water than you think you need. Start e