Recognizing that eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are increasingly found within the Jewish community, the Orthodox Union is producing a documentary film, “Dying to be Thin,” to focus on the problem and to raise community awareness.
The concept for the documentary belongs to Elisheva Diamond, a member of the OU’s Young Leadership Cabinet. According to Ms. Diamond, “Eating disorders present a growing crisis in our community. It is vital that everyone — parents, children, teachers, and rabbis — are well informed about the prevalence, consequences, and warning signs of these pernicious diseases. As a community, we need to know how to recognize the cries for help and how to respond appropriately.”
The OU Department of Development is now engaged in a campaign to raise the funds to proceed with the project. To initiate the campaign there will be a fundraising parlor meeting in Lawrence, on Monday, June 26. Ms. Diamond will give the introductory remarks as well as a brief overview of the project. Shayna Oppen L.M.S.W., Director of Student Health for the Board of Jewish Education (BJE), will address the guests on the dangers of eating disorders and the alarming growing crisis in the Jewish community. There will also be a guest speaker who will give a gripping account of her experience with eating disorders.
According to Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, who is a clinical psychologist in addition to being a rabbi, “It has become clear that eating disorders require the attention of the Orthodox community to confront the problem and to seek solutions. The OU has undertaken production of “Dying to be Thin” to galvanize the community to take action.”
The documentary, which will be directed by Rick Magder, Director of Media and Broadcasting at the OU, will be endorsed by the OU and distributed through its synagogue network.
For more information about the parlor meeting or to support the documentary, contact Elaine Grossman at 212.613.8350 or grossmane@ou.org.