Jewish Holidays and Eating Disorder Recovery: Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur
September and October often mark the beginning of the major Jewish holidays. This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Friday, September 11th, and Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Sunday, September 20th. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is often a more celebratory and joyous occasion, while Yom Kippur, which involves fasting, is a more solemn and reflective day. Although Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur differ in meaning and traditions, both can involve food, family gatherings, and changes in routine. While the Jewish holidays can be a meaningful time for families and communities to come together, celebrate, and reflect, they can also bring added stress for someone navigating eating disorder recovery.
Here are some tips and reminders to help you, loved one or client observe the Jewish holidays and eating disorder recovery:
Remember That the Holidays Look Different for Everyone
It is important to remember that there is no one “right” way to observe a holiday. Eating differently than you normally would during a holiday is okay. Rosh Hashanah may involve spending time with family or shared meals, but it is okay if these traditions bring up anxiety or feel challenging during eating disorder recovery. You don’t have to eat differently beforehand or do anything differently tomorrow to “make up” for what you eat on Rosh Hashanah.
The same applies to traditions around Yom Kippur. While fasting is a common part of observing Yom Kippur, you do not have to fast if doing so could put your health, recovery, or well-being at risk. Your place in your community is not determined by whether you fast, and there are other meaningful ways to observe and participate in Yom Kippur without restricting your food intake.
Plan Ahead When You Can
Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help ease some anxiety around the holidays. If you can, find out who will be at your Rosh Hashanah celebration or Yom Kippur break-fast and what foods may be served. Having an idea of what to expect can give you time to talk through any concerns with your therapist, dietitian or support system or beforehand. Planning your outfit ahead of time can also help you feel more prepared and avoid added body image stress on the day of.
Lean On Your Support System
Consider letting someone you trust know how they can support you before, during, or after a Rosh Hashanah gathering or Yom Kippur break-fast. Family dynamics, conversations around food, or changes in routine can sometimes bring up additional stress. You may also find it helpful to ask a friend or someone outside of the gathering if you can text or check in with them when things feel difficult.
Prepare for Uncomfortable Food and Body Comments
Conversations about food, bodies, and appearance are unfortunately common in many family settings. Set and enforce boundaries as best as you can. You can ask not to discuss these topics, redirect the conversation, excuse yourself, or leave the situation if necessary. If you do not fast for Yom Kippur and someone asks about your decision, remember that you are not obligated to explain or justify it.
Keep Your Recovery Needs in Mind
Changes in routine or holiday meals can feel challenging during eating disorder recovery. Although your routine may look different, try to maintain some structure with the things you know support your recovery, such as regular meals, check-ins, rest, and other parts of your usual routine. During Yom Kippur, this may mean continuing to eat regularly even if others around you are fasting. Prioritizing what your recovery needs is okay, even when it looks different from how others are observing the holiday.
Your Recovery Still Matters During the Jewish Holidays
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur can be meaningful opportunities for celebration, reflection, and connection, but navigating them during eating disorder recovery may look different than it has in the past. Whether that means setting boundaries, leaning on additional support, maintaining your regular eating routine, or choosing not to fast, it is okay to honor what your recovery needs.
There is no one “right” way to observe the Jewish holidays. Taking care of yourself and protecting your recovery does not make the holidays less meaningful.
Get Support Navigating the Jewish Holidays and Eating Disorder Recovery
At BALANCE, we understand that the High Holidays can bring unique challenges for those in eating disorder recovery. Our team has extensive experience treating eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns and supporting clients within the Jewish community.
We provide in-person programming seven days a week and are in-network with UnitedHealthcare (UHC), Aetna, Cigna, and Emblem. Support is available, and recovery is possible. Schedule a free consultation call with our Admissions team to learn more about eating disorder treatment at BALANCE in NYC.
For Providers Supporting Jewish Clients
Are you a provider looking to better support Jewish clients in eating disorder recovery? Join BALANCE Founder & CEO Melainie Rogers and Nutrition Improvement Center Founder Iris Epstein on Friday, October 9th at 12 PM ET for our free Jewish Dietary Practices 101: Best Practices for Working with Eating Disorder Clients webinar.
Melainie and Iris will discuss practical considerations for supporting eating disorder clients who keep kosher, including different levels of kosher observance, kosher food preparation, Shabbat, community dynamics, and more.
Sign up to attend live or receive the recording here.
This post was written by BALANCE Social Media Coordinator, Amanda Nussbaum (she/her).
Amanda is the Social Media Coordinator at BALANCE. She graduated from Ramapo College, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She enjoys being creative, writing, and editing videos, and is passionate about mental health, wellness, and lifestyle. She enjoys contributing to the BALANCE blog!
