| Announcing the 6th SPORT and JEWISH LIFE Essay Contest | |||
| The Center for Sport and Jewish Life announces
its current Sport and Jewish Life essay contest -
''Mitzvah-Minded: Promoting Fitness in our Communities''. This year's contest draws on the prevalent - and troublesome - findings regarding childhood and adult obesity in the U.S. In Jewish tradition, the noted philosopher and physician Moses Maimonides was a champion of physical fitness who considered maintaining good health and fitness a religious duty and prerequisite to knowing the Almighty. In the rabbinic tractate Leviticus Rabbah, Hillel the Sage conveyed to his disciples the mitzvah of caring for the body. In too many parts of the Jewish community, the mitzvah of fitness has been neglected. Some 100 years ago, Zionist leader Max Nordau called upon the Jews of Europe to adopt a ''Muscular Judaism'' as a way of awakening Judaism to new life. In our own day, perhaps there is again a need to re-invigorate Jewish practices to include and promote physical fitness and wellness. The physical, mental and spiritual benefits of good nutrition and regular exercise are numerous. We would like to hear your ideas regarding strategies that can be implemented in community settings to promote a greater commitment to fitness and good nutrition. Whether it is in synagogue settings, religious schools or day schools, youth groups or college fraternities and sororities, or senior centers and nursing homes, the Center for Sport and Jewish Life invites your thoughts. Essays should address current needs and offer solutions/programs designed to be implemented in group or organizational settings. Your essay should incorporate a discussion of Jewish values, teachings from the Torah or other Jewish texts and practices, as well as any other articles, books, films, etc of interest to you. The Panel of Judges includes Dr. Mark Anshel, Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology and Middle Tennessee State University, Alex Smolka, Head Track and Field Coach at Florida Atlantic University, and Shai Elancry, founder and director of www.FitnessIsrael.co.il. Entries will be judged in the following age groups: Grades 6-9 Grades 10-12 College students and others Entrants in each group whose essays are considered the best will be awarded U.S. Savings Bonds in amounts ranging between $400 and $100. In addition, funding will be sought to implement the best ideas. Click here for the Contest Rules and Application documents. Deadline for submission of essays is
December 29, 2011. |
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