Hungry To Be Heard
Addressing Eating Disorders in the Frum Community
Over the past several years, societal pressures with regard to body image have contributed to a dramatic increase in eating disorders in the Jewish community. “Hungry to be Heard” is an absorbing documentary that focuses on the rising rates of anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders in our community. It is aimed at providing education regarding awareness, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders.
The documentary has an impressive roster of health professionals and rabbinic authorities who address the various medical, psychological, and halachic issues involved. They include world renowned eating disorder researchers and clinicians such as Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair of Harvard University, Dr.Yael Latzer of Haifa University, Dr. Judith Ruskay Rabinor of the American Eating Disorders Center of Long Island, Dr. Esther Altmann, a prominent psychologist in the Orthodox community, and many others. Esteemed rabbis include, Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski, Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb of the OU, and Rabbi Steven Burg of NCSY. Their interviews are intermingled with accounts from brave young women and men, both single and married, in the Orthodox community that share the stories of their battles with eating disorders.
Rabbi Weinreb, executive vice-president of the OU and a clinical psychologist, explained, “Eating disorders are, unfortunately, a prevalent problem in the Orthodox Jewish community, affecting mostly teenage women. It is one of the few psychiatric disorders affecting adolescents that carries a threat to life. As such, it is extremely important that our community address the problem at its roots and learn how to prevent and treat it. I viewed the film at the OU National Convention, and was impressed by its professionalism, poignancy, and power. Hopefully, it will take our community one step further to confronting and solving the issue head-on.”
The 40-minute film is suggested for presentation to parents in schools, synagogues and organizations, with Q & A and discussion led by a mental health professional who can address various questions that are sure to arise. In the New York metropolitan area, the film’s creator and executive producer, Ms. Elisheva Diamond, and Associate Producer, Dr. Sarah Weinberger-Litman are available to accompany the film for a panel discussion and meet with staff members prior to showing the film in your organization.
“Hungry to be Heard”, developed by the Young Leadership Cabinet of the Orthodox Union, is a production of Better World Productions Inc., and is available FREE OF CHARGE for distribution as a continuation of the Safe Homes, Safe Schools, Safe Shuls initiative of the Orthodox Union Department of Community Services, which addresses issues impacting upon our community.
Please contact Frank Buchweitz, National Director, at 212.613.8188 or frank@ou.org, for a copy of the DVD as well as having a possible speaker.