On Tuesday, December 3, a series of events aimed at raising awareness and providing education on eating disorders will take place in Lakewood. These sessions are tailored to serve various segments of the Lakewood community, including educators, parents, medical professionals, and Rabbonim, with the goal of addressing critical questions and concerns around eating disorders.
Evening Symposium for the Lakewood Community
Location: Chemed, 1771 Madison Avenue
Time: Doors open at 9:15 PM; Program runs from 9:30 to 10:15 PM
This session, open to the general public, will focus on recognizing eating disorder concerns in children and understanding next steps for support. Topics include:
- Differentiating between normal eating behaviors and potential eating disorders
- Navigating stigma and protecting the family
- Determining the role of schools, Rabbonim, and extended family in the recovery process
- Addressing whether recovery is possible and when professional intervention is needed
Presenters:
- Dr. Steven Crawford: Regional Medical Director, Eating Recovery Center; Assistant Chief of Psychiatry, University of Maryland-St. Joseph Medical Center
- Dr. Phillip S. Mehler: Chief Scientific Officer, ERC Pathlight; Founder and Executive Medical Director, ACUTE Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition
- Rav Tzvi Steinberg: Rav, Whispering Meadows Shul; Dayan, Bais Din Neve Tzedek; Director, Gary Care Center
Session for Rabbonim and Educators
A separate session will guide Rabbonim and educators on how to support individuals and families dealing with eating disorders, identifying early concerns, and navigating halachic and hashkafic questions.
Presenters:
- Rav Uri Deutsch: Rav, Forest Park Shul; Dayan, Bais Din Maysharim
- Rav Tzvi Steinberg
- Dr. Phillip S. Mehler
Symposium and Panel for Medical Professionals
The third event, exclusively for medical professionals, will feature a panel discussion with leading experts, including Dr. Phillip S. Mehler, Dr. Malka Z. Sears, Iris Epstein, and Jennifer Brown.
This session aims to educate and empower medical professionals—the first line of defense against eating disorders—by providing critical insights and knowledge. The goal is to enhance their ability to effectively identify, support, and treat patients who are experiencing or at risk of developing an eating disorder.