What Is Jewish About Men’s Health?

What is Jewish About Men’s Health?
by Robert E. Braitman, M.D.

I am honored to edit this third edition of L’Chaim, a publication of the Health and Wellness committee of FJMC. As an organization of and for Jewish men we can learn from our tradition about maintaining physical and emotional health. In this issue of L’Chaim, we’ll provide challenges and personal stories that should allow us to be inspired and motivated by our tradition. You might ask: Is this really a “Jewish” value? I’ll share a few texts to “prove the point” here and encourage your to continue to read through this issue for more.

Judaism places a strong emphasis on the sanctity of life and the importance of caring for the body, which includes health and wellness. Here are several Jewish sources that encourage men (and all people) to care for their physical and mental well-being:

Preserving Life – Pikuach Nefesh

Source: Babylonian Talmud, Yoma 85b

“The Torah says: ‘Live by them’ (Leviticus 18:5) — and not that one should die by them.”

Explanation: The mitzvot (commandments) are meant to enhance and preserve life. Caring for one’s health is a direct fulfillment of this value.

Guard Your Health

Source: Deuteronomy 4:15

“Only guard yourself and guard your soul very much…”

Commentary: Rambam (Maimonides) and others interpret this as an injunction to protect one’s physical and mental health.

Mishneh Torah, Hilkhot De’ot 4:1

“הואיל והיות הגוף בריא ושלם מדרכי השם הוא, לפי שאי אפשר שיבין או ידע דבר מידיעות הבורא והוא חולה—לפיכך צריך האדם להרחיק עצמו מדברים המאבדין את הגוף…”

“Since maintaining a healthy and sound body is among the ways of God, for one cannot understand or know anything of the Creator if he is ill—therefore a person must avoid things that harm the body…”

Mental Health

Source: Proverbs 12:25:“Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

Talmudic Commentary: Yoma 75a suggests that one should speak about their anxiety to others — a precedent for seeking help and emotional support.

Physical Fitness

Source: Pirkei Avot 4:1

“Who is strong? One who conquers his inclination.”

Explanation: While this refers to moral strength, Jewish thinkers like the Chazon Ish have extended this idea to include physical discipline and fitness as part of personal mastery.

Cleanliness and Dignity

Source: Talmud, Bava Kama 90b

“It is prohibited for a person to inflict pain upon himself.”

Explanation: Neglecting one’s health or well-being is considered a form of self-harm, which is forbidden

Judaism, through its halachic (Jewish legal) framework, places a profound emphasis on preserving health and life.

Conclusion

The Jewish tradition’s holistic approach to health—incorporating physical, spiritual, and communal dimensions—provides a framework that continues to inform approaches to men’s health in Jewish communities today. From ancient texts to modern initiatives, Judaism emphasizes the importance of proper self-care and health maintenance as religious values, creating a foundation for culturally specific approaches to men’s health and wellness.

Written by Robert E. Braitman, MD
Past International President, FJMC International

“What Is Jewish About Men’s Health?” published in the Fall 2026 Edition of Health & Wellness, L’chaim.