By Har Sinai
RABBI DISCUSSES "WHY JEWS SHOULD NOT EXERCISE’’
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP – Rabbi Stuart Pollack, of Har Sinai Temple, doesn’t pull punches when it comes to topics for his "Lunch and Run’’ discussion group, and this month’s topic – "Why Jews Should Not Exercise’’ – is no exception.
"Walking is okay,’’ says Pollack, who will hold the discussion at Har Sinai, 2421 Pennington Road, on March 25 from noon to 1:30 p.m. "But Jewish knees are a problem. The Jewish body was not made for extreme exercise.’’
Pollack also points out that exercise originated with the ancient Greeks, who worshipped idols and were once the mortal enemies of Jews. "They exercised in the nude, which brings up a moral question.’’ The word "gym,’’ in fact, is Greek for "nude.’’
Designed to stimulate talk among people who don’t have much spare time during the regular work week, the "Lunch and Run’’ series is open to anyone who wants to bring a lunch and get 90-minutes of cerebral stimulation. Usual attendees include working people on their lunch hour and stay-at-home moms.
The rabbi’s last "Lunch and Run’’ lecture examined the topic of "Vampires and Jews,’’ touching on the inherent anti-Semitism in such characters as Bram Stoker’s "Dracula.’’
The discussion is free and open to all, but registration is required. The temple, easily reached via I-95, will supply dessert and beverages at the discussion for all who call to reserve at (609)- 730-8100.

