HAPPY PASSOVER

Last night was the first night of Passover. Our family of three, enjoyed a Seder, as Jews around the world have been having for 3000+ years. During the Seder we tell the story about how the Israelites were given their freedom by God (with an assist from Moses) from their 200 years of slavery under the rule of the Egyptian Pharaohs.  During the retelling of this story, it is hard not to be in awe of God who revealed himself to the Jewish people and gave them the Torah. One definition of the Torah is that it is life's instruction book which guides one to lead a moral and meaningful life. It is where The Ten Commandments were revealed for the first time.  These rules have served as the foundation of a moral lifestyle for the Western world. 

There is one part of this story that has always troubled me. It is this: While it is impossible not to be thankful to God for releasing the Jews from the bondage in Egypt - we learn too, that sometimes God works at a pace that we may not completely understand. 200 years is a long time. I sometimes do wonder if America must descend into a further darkness, before the guiding hand of God sets our country on a better path. I do not know the answer, I can only ask the questions. That being said, I would like to wish a meaningful Pesach (Passover) to all my fellow Jews around the world. And since today is also a Saturday, let me add: Shabbat Shalom. 

My wife Jennifer, prepared the traditional Passover Seder Plate on a plate that was owned by my Grandparents.

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Your Food Diary For:

Friday, April 22, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Quaker Oats - Instant Oatmeal Apples & Cinnamon	640	132	8	16	800	48
Red Delicious Apple, 2 medium apple	190	50	1	1	4	38
	830	182	9	17	804	86
L U N C H
Jamwich - Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich	520	70	30	18	700	26
CHERRY VANILLA GRANOLA, 1.5 CUP	480	80	14	10	120	30
Campbell's - New England Clam Chowder	360	36	20	10	1,780	2
	1,360	186	64	38	2,600	58
D I N N E R
Potatoes, red, flesh and skin, baked, 0.5 potato large	132	29	0	3	18	2
Home Made - Matzah Ball Soup, 1 cup	118	10	6	0	450	0
Homemade. - Roasted Stuffed Tomato	100	9	7	2	593	0
Beef, cured, corned beef, brisket, cooked, 3 oz	213	0	16	15	827	0
Manischewitz - Matzah, 1 Matzah	100	21	0	3	0	0
	663	69	29	24	1,888	2
S N A C K S
GIN GINS ORIGINAL CHEWY GINGER	120	30	0	0	0	30
	120	30	0	0	0	30
Totals	2,973	468	102	79	5,291	176
Your Daily Goal	1,977	247	66	99	2,300	74
Remaining	-996	-220	-35	20	-2,991	-101
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 47 extra calories from exercise today

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I was already having difficulty keeping my weight stable before I injured myself with the hernia. It has now been three weeks since I have had any meaningful exercise - this is reflected in my weight this morning: 235.5 lbs.

GOOD LUCK, JACK

Last night, I met my young friend Jack at my Chabad House for a final evening of L'Chaims prior to him packing his car and moving back to Brooklyn, New York after 3 years in Chicago.

Jack is a special friend, as we had many shared experiences at the Chabad House.  For some reason, a lot of those experiences seemed to revolve around 'L'Chaims.'  It is true that my renewed enthusiasm for Judaism seemed to be in direct proportion to my discovery that Orthodox Jews like to 'weaken' their bodies with alcohol just a bit, to more easily allow greater inspirational spiritual thoughts enter the mind. Anyway, that's the theory.

from the Chabad.org website:

This "weakening of the body" allows the soul to shine through. After taking a l'chaim one is more easily inspired, because the body offers less resistance. This obviously applies only when one drinks in moderation, and on special, holy occasions in an attempt to make them a bit more festive and to introduce an inspirational ambiance

I am going to miss my friend Jack.  Jack and his bride are about to start the best journey that anyone can ever start. The journey of parenthood. Their doctor has given them a date in February, so I will be keeping an eye out for confirmation of this wonderful blessing to come.  Among the things that I liked about Jack is that we had plenty of things in common despite the fact that I was old enough to be his father's older brother. I don't know if he considered me his unusual 'old' friend or just a friend. It matters not. He is a good guy. Jack I wish you the best.

My friend Jack and I had one last memorable evening at the Chabad House last night. I expected to have plenty of L'Chaims. I actually do try to count them as I intend to log them into my food diary.  (Although, when I do, I usually get a disapproving email from my Mom, who is among my most regular blog readers)  Nevertheless, I think we didn't quite get into double digits last night - but I do know that our bodies were weakened plenty to discuss some big issues.  All kidding aside, the discussions last night included discussing quantum physics and God.  This is precisely what the 'L'Chaims' are purported to do - open pathways to new inspirational ideas.

I will simply look forward to my next L'Chaim with my friend...whether it is in one year or ten years.

I was well aware that last evening was going to be an evening of eating and drinking... although it is more or less useless to try to pre-burn calories prior to overindulging... It is something that one can't be blamed for trying.... Yesterday, my first workout on the elliptical machine was from 5:00AM until 6:30AM and my second workout was from 3:00PM until 4:30PM which was prior to my 7 hour visit to the Chabad House.

5:00AM elliptical workout

3:00PM elliptical workout

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Your Food Diary For:

Friday, January 15, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Walgreens - Nutritional Shake, 2 Bottle	500	80	12	18	380	44
Nice - Quick Oats	600	112	10	20	0	0
	1,100	192	22	38	380	44
L U N C H
Cafeteria - Sweet Butternut Squash, 4.5 oz	120	20	5	0	8	6
Tender Greens - Kale Salad With Albacore Tuna	195	4	15	12	224	0
Generic - Teriyaki Salmon Steaks, 6 oz	270	3	8	47	365	5
	585	27	27	58	596	11
D I N N E R
Homemade - Challah Bread, 3 slice	351	57	8	12	312	0
Home Made - Matzah Ball Soup, 1 cup	118	10	6	0	450	0
Home - Boiled Chicken Breast	262	0	6	49	0	0
Homemade - Chocolate Birthday Cake, 1 Slice	294	35	10	0	0	35
	1,025	102	29	61	762	35
S N A C K S
Cliff Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt - Trail Mix Bar, 1 bar	200	19	13	5	160	9
Roundy's - Oats & More With Honey & Almonds	520	104	8	12	600	24
Crown Royal - Crown Royal, 9 ounce	576	0	0	0	0	0
	1,296	123	21	17	760	33
Totals	4,006	444	100	175	2,498	123
Your Daily Goal	5,901	737	196	296	2,300	221
Remaining	1,895	293	96	121	-198	98
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 3,971 extra calories from exercise today

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       Your Exercise Diary for:

Friday, January 15, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
STAR TRAC ELLIPTICAL	92	2,166
STAR TRAC ELLIPTICAL	92	2,128
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	-323
Daily Total / Goal	185 / 30	3,971 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	656 / 210	13,013 / 4,130

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total calories consumed 4006 calories

total calories burned (184 min elliptical) 4294 calories

total net 288 calorie deficit

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fitbit day 134

19382 steps
. . . . . . . .
SATURDAY WEIGH/IN   219 LBS.

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I just now noticed the date...January 16.  I do not have the strongest faith that my Dad will receive this message in heaven...but just in case... Happy Birthday, Dad.

SETBACK

Last week the scale shouted back at me that I was 209 lbs.  I should have accused it of lying and moved on.  Perhaps I had exercised late on the previous Friday night and I had not completely rehydrated.  It matters not.  I suspected that it might be a little too good to be true and it was.  So here's the situation, I am apparently not down 100 lbs - I am only down 91 lbs.  And you know what, for all practical purposes - it's the same difference.  All my clothes fit me. Perhaps last week, the scale was showing something artificially low.  Surely this week the scale is showing something artificially high.  Perhaps I had 10,000 mg of salt this week and I am retaining water.  Honestly, I do not know.   I do not think it would have been possible to actually gain 9 lbs in one week if I had gorged myself on an all-you-can-eat cruise.  Maybe my scale is broken.  Maybe I had too much whiskey last evening, and my body has not got itself back into its normal equilibrium. What I do know, is that this 9 pound weight gain is not and can not be real.  Whatever variables are causing it will be wiped clean in a day or two.  That's my story - and I am sticking to it!  I feel great and I am happy about my progress.  The next stop on my journey is to seriously get to 209 lbs and make sure that the reading is legitimate. From there, I can see another 10 lbs need to be shed to just get under 200 lbs.  This is my goal.  This will happen.

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Walking has become a method of transportation for me.  I needed to go to the dentist today. In years past, I have either driven or taken the subway.  It had never occurred to me to walk the four miles.  Let me amend that, it had never occurred to me prior to yesterday morning.  I walked to 4.5 miles to the dentist.  Actually, I walked an additional half mile to log an even five miles.  (That is a mathematical oxymoron as five is not an even number, but I am sure you know what I mean)  After my dental work, I walked two miles to a Jason's Deli for lunch.  And after a quick stop at a nearby Whole Foods, I walked another four miles home.  When the day was over, I had logged 11 miles of walking at a very, very brisk pace.  It is so liberating to be able to use my own two feet as a method of transportation.

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Your Food Diary For:

Friday, December 18, 2015

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Malt O Meal - Honey Nut Scooters	240	48	3	6	420	18
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 3 medium apple	285	75	1	2	5	57
	525	123	4	8	425	75
L U N C H
Jason's Deli - SPICY SEAFOOD GUMBO, 1 Bowl	230	26	8	12	1,710	3
Jason's Deli - Turkey Wrap, 0.5 Wrap	195	21	9	12	540	3
	425	47	17	24	2,250	6
D I N N E R
CHABAD - SHABBAT DINNER	750	0	0	0	0	0
Clyde May's - Whiskey, 6 oz (L'chaims)	396	30	0	0	0	6
	1,146	30	0	0	0	6
S N A C K S
WHOLE FOODS NATURAL WASABI GREEN PEAS	192	30	5	6	384	3
WHOLE FOODS CHERRY VANILLA GRANOLA	228	38	7	5	57	14
WHOLE FOODS SEMI SWEET CHOCOLATE	105	15	5	0	0	14
WHOLE FOODS BANANA CHIPS	147	16	9	1	2	10
WHOLE FOODS DATE PIECES	198	49	0	2	16	36
	870	149	26	14	460	77
Totals	2,966	349	46	45	3,135	163
Your Daily Goal	4,117	514	137	206	2,300	154
Remaining	1,151	164	90	161	-834	-9
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 2,187 extra calories from exercise today

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Your Exercise Diary for:

Friday, December 18, 2015

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
Walking, 4.5 mph, very, very brisk pace	67	963
Walking, 4.5 mph, very, very brisk pace	27	382
Walking, 5.0 mph	49	863
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	-21
Daily Total / Goal	144 / 30	2,187 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	691 / 210	10,496 / 4,130

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total calories consumed 2966 calories

total calories burned (walking 10 miles) 2208 calories

total net calories 758 calories

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fitbit day 107
26471 steps

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218 lbs

I weigh 218 lbs.

I allegedly gained 9 lb this week?

I have lost 91 lbs in 360 days. Today begins Day 361.

I will always be at the beginning of a journey that never ends.

I weigh 218 lbs (360 days ago I weighed 309 lbs)

I have lost 29.4% of my weight since Dec 24.

I have a BMI, body mass index of 29.16

I had a 42.0 BMI on Dec 24 just 353 days ago (Class III obesity)

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December 24 is the one anniversary of the day that I made the decision to change my life.  I am going to weigh myself again on December 24, 2015.  I am also going to post some side-by-side before and after pictures.  It is a day that I am looking forward to... See you then (if I don't see you before)

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TO THE CHABAD HOUSE

I have made friends at my local Chabad House since moving into this neighborhood nearly 4 years ago.  A Chabad House is a center of traditional (Orthodox) Judaism.  A Chabad House is run by a Rabbi (Shaliach, Emissary) and his wife, a Shlucha (female word for emissary).   A Chabad House seemingly can be found almost anywhere there are Jews. Whether it is a place where Jews live or where Jews travel.  I always enjoy hearing radio talk-show host, author and public speaker, Dennis Prager recount a story about how he once went to a Chabad House in Cambodia! There are nearly 5000 Chabad Houses around the world and one can be found in 49 of the 50 states of The United States. I am blessed to live within 100 feet of a Chabad House. It is at my Chabad House where I have been exposed to authentic Judaism in ways that I had never been before.  The traditional Jewish lifestyle is not something that I am interested in as a full-time proposition.  It is something that I am greatly interested in on an 'a la carte' basis.  I have made terrific friends at my Chabad House.  One of my friends, is moving back to New York with his wife in a few short weeks.  We made arrangements to make sure that we both selected this Friday to be there so that we can enjoy the wonderful camaraderie of friends,  joy of Judaism,  the serenity of Shabbat, a delicious meal prepared by the Rabbi's wife and a L'Chaim (or two, or three).  So, tonight, Friday....It's to the Chabad House!

Chabad House, Dearborn Street, Chicago

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For lunch, I visited a Whole Foods Market which is less than 2 miles from my home.  I managed to stretch this two mile trip into an eight mile walk.  Afterwards, I naturally walked home.  Another day,  another day of walking ten miles.  The last couple of days, my exercise had been working out on the elliptical machine. It was good to get back outside.  

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Your Food Diary For:

Thursday, December 17, 2015

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Malt O Meal - Honey Nut Scooters, 60 g	240	48	3	6	420	18
steel cut oatmeal - steel cut oat meal, 1 cup	600	108	10	20	0	4
Red Delicious - Medium Apple, 2 apple	160	44	0	0	0	34
	1,000	200	13	26	420	56
L U N C H
WHOLE FOODS - SALAD BAR	375	0	0	0	0	0
WHOLE FOODS BANANA CHIPS	170	16	10	2	5	1
WHOLE FOODS  VANILLA GRANOLA	500	80	16	10	120	30
	1,045	96	26	12	125	31
D I N N E R
EARTHBOUND FARM - ORGANIC BABY SPINACH	60	0	0	6	195	0
365 - Hearts of Palm: Salad Cut, 1 cup	50	10	0	4	580	0
libby's - Sweet Corn, 0.88 cup	105	16	3	4	350	12
Honey Nut Scooters - Cereal, 3 cup (30g)	330	72	5	6	630	30
Apple - - Honey Crisp - Small, 1 apple	55	15	0	0	0	15
	600	112	7	20	1,755	57
Totals	2,645	408	46	58	2,300	144
Your Daily Goal	3,874	484	129	194	2,300	145
Remaining	1,229	75	82	136	0	0
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 1,944 extra calories from exercise today

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       Your Exercise Diary for:

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
Walking, 4.5 mph, very, very brisk pace	102	1,627
Walking, 4.5 mph, very, very brisk pace	28	372
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	-55
Daily Total / Goal	131 / 30	1,944 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	547 / 210	8,308 / 4,130

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total calories consumed 2645 calories

total calories burned (walking 10 miles) 1999 calories

total net calories 646 calories

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fitbit day 106
19002 steps

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Each year, Chabad of the Loop, Gold Coast and Lincoln Park, directed by my friend, Rabbi Meir Chai Benhiyoun erects a huge Chanukkah Menorah in Daley Plaza.  Daley Plaza is Chicago's premier civic center and permanent home of the famous Picasso statue.  The Menorah is 30 feet tall and 18 feet wide and it is designed in the traditional style of menorahs used by Chabad.  Although, I missed the lighting ceremony this year, as I was out-of-town, I was able to visit the menorah before Chanukkah with my Mom who was visiting from New York earlier this month.
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When Batman and Robin need to step it up a notch....They go...TO THE BATMOBILE!

When I need to a refresher in Judaism, or need to authentically celebrate a Jewish Holiday....I go...TO THE CHABAD HOUSE!

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This information comes from What's Not Wrong... a blog by Gary Anderson

Untitled (1967) by Pablo Picasso: What the heck is it? A horse? Seahorse? Dragon? That’s part of the fun and the puzzle involved in this huge sculpture so closely identified with Chicago. When the sculpture was dedicated in 1967, Mayor Richard J. Daley said, “We dedicate this celebrated work this morning with the belief that what is strange to us today will be familiar tomorrow.” Today the Picasso is familiar, but it’s no less strange. Chicago’s Picasso is interactive in a couple of ways. First of all, looking at the sculpture from the front (with your back to Washington Avenue) yields the most common view and the view that is most abstract. But if you walk toward the Daley Center and view the sculpture from roughly a 10:00 or 2:00 angle, you will more clearly see the silhouette of a woman. This is one of my favorite things to show students and visitors.   The Picasso is also highly interactive because you can sit on it, climb on it, and slide down it.

BIRTHDAY FARBRENGEN

A Farbrengen (/fɑrbrɛnɡɛn/, from the Yiddish פארברענגען, meaning "joyous gathering"; German verbringen "to spend [time/solidarity/festivity together]") is a Hasidic gathering. This term is only used by Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidim, as other Hasidim have a Tish or a botteh. It may consist of explanations of general Torah subjects, with an emphasis on Hasidic philosophy, relating of Hasidic stories, and lively Hasidic melodies, with refreshments being served. It is regarded as a time of great holiness. Farbrengens are public events open to non-Hasidim as well.

At my local Chabad House there are four people celebrating their birthdays this week.  One of those people is me.  Last night at the Chabad House there was a Birthday Farbrengen for the community to celebrate.  There are not too many gatherings of people more enjoyable than a Chasidic Farbrengen.  My birthday on the Jewish calendar will take place starting at sundown on October 31, Cheshvan 18.  My secular birthday, the one listed on my drivers license, will not be for about two more weeks, November 12.

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It is said that one cannot forget how to ride a bicycle.  Prior to the Half Dome hike, I was using the elliptical machine almost exclusively for months and months. Since returning from the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park at the beginning of this month - I have been walking as my preferred method of exercise.  Today, I did not have an opportunity to walk during the day, so I returned to the elliptical machine for the first time in over a month.  I wasn't sure if I would remember how to pace myself properly. It was silly to worry about that.  As soon as I hopped on board, I set the resistance to the highest level as always and squeezed in a great workout in just 62 minutes.  I guess the elliptical machine is like a bicycle - you don't forget how to use it.

Your Food Diary For:

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
John McCann Steel Cut - Oat Meal, 1 cup	600	108	0	16	0	0
Roundy's - Center Cut Bacon, 2.01 Slices	47	0	3	5	147	0
Forelli - Rice Cake, Multigrain, Thin, 18 slice	360	72	0	0	360	0
	1,007	180	3	21	507	0
L U N C H
WHOLE FOODS 8497 - CHERRY VANILLA GRANOLA, 71.5 g (3/4 cup)	312	52	9	6	78	19
WHOLE FOODS 8738 - DRIED MANGO SLICES, 40 g (approx 6 pieces)	110	28	0	2	1	20
WHOLE FOODS 9392 - YOGURT RAISINS, 60 g (approx 34 pieces)	255	42	11	2	23	38
WHOLE FOODS 9246 - 100% RAW CACAO GOJI, 50.4 g (approx 2 chunks)	180	27	11	4	9	18
WHOLE FOODS 7882 - GIN GINS ORIGINAL CHEWY GINGER, 72 g (2pcs)	240	60	0	0	0	60
	1,097	209	30	14	110	155
D I N N E R
Generic - Italian Sausage Link, 2 link	540	4	44	34	2,020	0
Generic - Grilled Brussel Sprouts, 1 cup	65	13	3	6	23	0
	605	17	47	40	2,043	0
S N A C K S
Maker's Mark - Bourbon Whiskey, 5 oz	345	0	0	0	0	0
	345	0	0	0	0	0
Totals	3,054	406	80	74	2,661	155
Your Daily Goal	3,464	433	115	174	2,300	130
Remaining	410	27	35	100	-360	-24
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 1,534 extra calories from exercise today

Your Exercise Diary for:

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
elliptical	62	1,540
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	-6
Daily Total / Goal	63 / 30	1,534 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	320 / 210	6,424 / 4,130

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total calories consumed 3054 calories
total calories burned 1540 calories
total net calories 1514 calories

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fitbit day 56

20054 steps
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