Page 23 - Jewish News_may2021

JEWISH INTEREST May 2021 23

Aging Jewishly – What our traditions teach us about growing old

For health and well-being, sing a song!

By Rabbi Barbara Aiello
“ hat’s Grant,” Lucy said when ing to health experts, the rewards are Researchers in the UK studied two The soothing rhythms of prayers

her friend asked what she great. In fact, Dr. Michael F. Roizen, groups of seniors, 60 years and older, such as the Sh’ma, the Amidah and
Twas hearing through the cell Chief Wellness Officer at the Cleve- to determine if singing reduced stress the Aleinu are chants that we may
phone. “He’s whistling and singing the land Clinic, emphasizes that there are and anxiety. One group was instruct- have learned from childhood. And al-
song we danced five proven ways of how singing can ed to sing each week while the other though we don’t know the meaning of
to on our wed- supercharge your health. group was not required to do so. The each Hebrew word, we find comfort in
ding day!” And Singing gives an immune system results? Dr. Roizen sings the praises the meditative quality of our ancient
just at that mo- boost. In the age of Covid, maintaining of the researchers who found that “the prayers and blessings. Rabbi Gold puts
ment, Grant sa- the health of one’s immune system has singers demonstrated significantly re- it well when she says, “Chant is a med-
shayed into the become paramount. Dr. Roizen points duced anxiety and depression scores.” itative practice that fully engages the
kitchen, twirled out that singing positively affects the If you find yourself smiling while body, heart and mind, and facilitates
Lucy in his arms immune system. you sing along with vintage Elvis or healing and expansion of conscious-
and bellowed, Dr. Roizen reports that when Ger- Maroon 5, you’re not alone. Dr. Roizen ness.”
“Wise men say, man scientists tested the blood levels emphasizes that singing makes you Although the benefits of singing
Rabbi Barbara Aiello ‘Only fools rush of choir members before and after happier. Surveys bear this out. In fact, are well-documented, we can’t be sure
in,’ but I can’t help falling in love with their one-hour rehearsal, the singers’ when 600 choral singers were asked that as Grant croons “I can’t help fall-
you!” Lucy blushed and squeezed blood levels showed an increase in how singing made them feel, 76% said, ing in love with you…” he’s aware of
Grant’s hand. “Sixty-one years and antibody-producing immunoglobulins “Singing makes me a happier person!” these advantages. But indeed, Grant
you’re singing still makes me smile!” and the anti-stress hormone, hydrocor- Rabbi Shefa Gold, a musician has a song in his heart. In fact, we
Just what is it about singing? What tisone. and expert in the chanting of Hebrew all do. So, for health and well-being,
is it about putting words to music and Want to improve your ticker? Sing- prayer, would agree. In her book, The “Aleinu leshabeach la-Adon HaKol”
letting loose with a song? According ing positively affects heart health. Magic of the Hebrew Chant, Rabbi or “Sing, Sing a Song.”
to Alison Brill of the Massachusetts Dr. Roizen (who admits to singing Gold describes the personal benefits Rabbi Barbara Aiello served Aviva
Department of Public Health, “Sing- along to Jersey Boys while he drives accrued to those who rhythmically re- Senior Living in Sarasota as resident
ing is an aerobic activity which pumps to work) states that for more than 80 cite Hebrew prayer. Rabbi Gold says, rabbi for 10 years. She now lives and
more oxygen into your blood, im- years, the University of London has “A few short words – repeated with works in Italy where she is rabbi of
proves circulation and promotes a pos- studied the benefits of singing. Experts passion and intention – can unlock Italy’s first Reconstructionist syna-
itive mood.” And a plethora of health there state that the aerobic activity pro- treasure upon treasure of healing, wis- gogue. You may reach her at Rabbi@
experts agree and emphasize that one duced by singing shows marked mea- dom and love.” RabbiBarbara.com.
need not be professionally trained or surable increase in several key aspects
even have a good voice to reap the of hearth health. Rabbi Barbara Aiello’s most popular
benefits of singing. As Ms. Brill says, Singing your heart out lowers columns are now published in her new
“This isn’t American Idol. This is life, blood pressure. Dr. Roizen sites a
and we have to find what makes us feel study of a pre-op patient with serious book, Aging Jewishly, available on
good!” hypertension prior to knee replacement Amazon. It makes a great gift!
Singing is one way to lift our spir- surgery. When the patient began to
its. We don’t need musical instruments sing, her high blood pressure dropped
or amplification of special equipment almost to the normal range, and as she
of any kind. Like Grant, all we need is continued to sing her favorite Gospel
a song. And when we find our melo- songs, her blood pressure stabilized in
dy and sing it out, once again, accord- time for surgery.

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