“The joints are the hinges to the spirit,” said one doctor long ago, an insight that remains with me many years later. Through my work as a rabbi, and in my own life, I’ve witnessed the connection between the ability to get around and the attitude one takes toward the world: The greater the range of motion, the more likely it is to have a positive approach to life.

Close to three years ago, I started with a personal fitness trainer before turning to circuit training classes. I doubled down on my exercise routine, and I feel better about myself and my capabilities. The knee arthritis has significantly abated, though I don’t know if it will ever go away. I bolt up subway stairs and lift groceries, luggage and even the Torah more easily. I sleep better, now getting up only once most nights, instead of two or three times. The only complaint: My clothing doesn’t fit anymore, and I find myself needing to buy new things (although, with some of the stuff, this spree was long overdue). The exercise, most days starting at 6 AM, can be a drag. Yet there is a specific Jewish perspective on this issue as we see through the traditional prayers.

Our morning service includes a prayer for health, praising God for the marvel of a body composed of organs, muscle, bone, and more  that, most days, works in harmony. The human body is a grace from God that hides in plain sight until our siddur calls our attention to it, or when something goes wrong and we need to act to fix it.

I pray that each of us is blessed with health and fitness, and the ability and determination to move around as much as we can, even  when the body limits the capacity.

Wishing you good health!

Rabbi Dennis Ross