Esther Kane, MSW, RSW, RCC

Compassionate Conversations

Esther Kane, MSW, RSW, RCC

  • Why do so Many Jewish Women Have Eating Disorders? Nina Manolson and Esther Kane explain why

Why do so Many Jewish Women Have Eating Disorders? Nina Manolson and Esther Kane explain why

Wednesday 26th April 2023

Join Esther Kane and Nina Manolson as they explore why Jewish women face higher rates of eating disorders and offer tools for healing.
47 minutes
Hopeful
Empowering
Informative
Compassionate
Inspiring

About this podcast

Compassionate Conversations
Author:
Esther Kane, MSW, RSW, RCC
Overview:
Categories:
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Healing Relationships
Recovery from Trauma
Sobriety Toolkit
Relationships & Community
Links:
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Episodes:
51 (View all)
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Why Jewish Women Face Unique Challenges with Eating Disorders: Insights from Esther Kane and Nina Manolson

Episode Overview

  • Esther Kane shares insights into the prevalence of disordered eating patterns among Jewish women
  • Nina Manolson discusses the themes identified in her qualitative study on Jewish women and eating disorders
  • The conversation explores the impact of cultural trauma and the North American beauty ideal on Jewish women's relationship with food and body image
  • Nina Manolson shares innovative projects, including a body peace journal, a body peace app, and group coaching sessions designed to support women in healing their relationship with food and body image
  • The episode emphasizes the need for women to shift their focus from comparing themselves to others to developing a compassionate relationship with their own bodies
Food is survival. Food is culture. Food is love. Now for women in general, their relationship with food and body is complex. Layer in it, this idea of, and this isn't exclusive to Jewish women, it's a lot of cultures where there was just cultural trauma as a whole where food becomes right as a society, where food becomes survival.
What makes Jewish women more susceptible to eating disorders than others? Esther Kane and Nina Manolson tackle this pressing question in a candid conversation. With statistics showing that Jewish women are 50 percent more likely to struggle with eating disorders than the general U.S. population, this episode dives deep into the reasons behind these numbers. Esther and Nina, both experienced therapists and Jewish women themselves, explore the complex factors contributing to these issues.
They discuss how cultural expectations, historical trauma, and societal pressures intertwine to create a unique set of challenges. For instance, the central role of food in Jewish culture can be a double-edged sword, offering comfort and community but also fueling disordered eating patterns. The episode goes beyond merely identifying problems. Esther and Nina share practical strategies for Jewish women to develop healthier relationships with food and their bodies.
They emphasize shifting the focus from food as the enemy to understanding it as a coping mechanism. This change in perspective can be a powerful tool for recovery. One of the standout moments is when Nina talks about her innovative projects designed to support women in this journey. From a body peace journal to group coaching sessions, she offers tangible resources to help listeners make lasting changes.
Whether you're personally affected by these issues or know someone who is, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable advice. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the unique challenges Jewish women face regarding body image and eating disorders.