Due to the coronavirus, we have all spent the last month adjusting to a new (temporary) normal of staying indoors, refraining from socializing, and taking extra precautions for sanitation. Couples are postponing their weddings, and parents are learning to homeschool their children. Trips are being canceled, and all meals are being eaten at home. Although the days are passing and blending together, people that celebrate the Jewish holidays may be aware that Passover will begin this week.
Passover is a Jewish holiday that begins on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Nisan, this year coinciding with Wednesday, April 8th at sundown. The story of Passover is found in the book of Exodus, and describes the Israelites escape from slavery in ancient Egypt. The story explains that God inflicted 10 plagues onto the Egyptian people under the Pharoah’s rule, and when the last plague (the death of the Egyptian first-born) occurred, Pharoah agreed to let the Israelites go and be free. Israelites were instructed to mark their homes so that their children would be saved, and their homes would be “passed over,” therefore giving the holiday it’s name, Passover. Jewish people all around the world will celebrate by having a seder (which means “order”, since the story of the holiday is told in a specific order) on the first (and second) night of Passover.
Notably, this holiday requires a restriction on certain types of food. The story of Passover explains that once Pharoah agreed to let the Israelites go, they did not have much time to prepare for their departure. Due to their rush, their bread did not have enough time to rise. The interpretation is celebrated in modern times as not having food and beverages that contain leavened bread and yeast. For those observing Passover, there is an intense preparation period, where the house gets cleansed from all of the forbidden foods, which are replaced with Kosher for Passover food. For anyone, it is a challenge to change your diet for 8 days when you are accustomed to eating popular and delicious foods regularly, such as bagels, bread and pizza. For those with an active eating disorder, or a history of an eating disorder, the challenge increases.
Many Jewish holidays and traditions have a strong food component to them, whether it is latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) on Chanukah, challah and matzo ball soup on Shabbat (weekly Holy Sabbath), or a big feast after Yom Kippur concludes. On Passover, there is typically a festive dinner that commences the holidays. For someone who is constantly thinking about food and weight, these holidays can be triggers for emotional escalation and maladaptive behavior use. The limited food options and focus around food can be reminders of restricting food intake and over-eating.
On a typical Passover, people are able to leave their homes to engage in a normal routine. Why is this Passover different from all over Passovers? This year, we are staying indoors, working from home, and refraining from outdoor activities. This can be challenging for someone with a history of an eating disorder, due to the increased isolation and focus on foods. If you or a loved one can relate to this, here are some helpful reminders in staying hopeful this Passover season.
- You may be isolating, but you are not alone in this. The prevalence of eating disorders is on the rise, and they do not discrimiate based on race, gender, sex, ethniciity or otherwise. There are virtual support groups nearly every day of the week where you can connect to other people with similar struggles, as well as professionals for additional support. Refer to the NEDA website for information.
- Your support system is there for you. Communicate with your loved ones – tell them how they can support you. Communicate with your providers – be honest about how you are feeling. Communicate with yourself – listen to what your body and mind need.
- You can engage in self-care from home everyday. Due to the current limitations, we may have to get creative about how to relax in the confines of your neighborhood. Choose a show to watch and a book to read; take walks while listening to music; play a board game or a card game.
- You do not have to follow the guidelines of Passover if it is a matter of life and death. When it comes down to it, health comes first. If following the Passover food restrictions has the possibility of bringing back eating disorder behaviors, I encourage you not to follow the traditional rules.
- This too shall pass. Emotions come and emotions go. Passover will start and Passover will end. We are sheltered at home now, and that will conclude as well. Try to stay present each day. You have had challenging days that you made it through, and you can get through this storm too.
