Is Every Healing Path Truly the Right Path?

"Natural" treatments and various philosophies have made their way into both religious and secular communities and rooted themselves in the perspectives of rabbis, educators, and more. As far back as 2006, prominent scholars protested against "natural" healing methods that infiltrated the Jewish community. Therefore, it's imperative for each of us to thoroughly investigate the legitimacy of these therapies, such as certain touch therapies, body-mind treatments, frequency-based therapies, energy work, and others.

In recent years, more scholars have joined those raising concerns: Rabbi Yitzchak Ratzaabi, Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Morgenstern, Rabbi Yitzchak Moshe Erlanger, among others. It's important to note that just because a natural method seems to "help," it doesn't guarantee its halachic acceptability. A method rooted in falsehood, disbelief, or impure forces might appear to "aid" a person, as the human mind can be influenced by false and forbidden beliefs. Yet, as a holy nation, we are charged with living only according to Jewish law and seeking guidance in pure, righteous ways.

Believe in the wisdom of the nations, but not in their philosophies! What wisdom should we embrace? Our sages taught: embrace the wisdom concerning the physical world's exploration, devoid of ideology and ethics. Do not accept foreign perspectives or guidance (such as psychology and the aforementioned approaches dealing with philosophy and thought), which are not necessarily approved by Torah sages. Instead, the acceptable wisdoms to explore are those lacking contradictions to Judaism, like medicine, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, and similar fields.

So what remains for us, the Jewish people? I propose a renewed-old outlook on the authentic healing within our reach: repentance, prayer, charity, and the moral teachings of our sages. These can help us change our character, and consequently, heal our bodies from various ailments. This is the true medicine available for Jews. It's part of the final clarifications before the coming of the Messiah, to connect solely to Hashem, to cry out and request true healing—not foreign cures that seeped into our nation through the sitra achra in various masks and forms, regrettably with great cunning. Moreover, the holy Torah instructs that every Jew must engage in strong moral work amidst the confusions of this world, internal and external (undoubtedly, our generation struggles with apathy towards changing our character—I'm not blaming you, God forbid, as I'm part of this generation too). Rabbi Wolbe, of blessed memory, taught that moral work, sadly, has become almost nonexistent, like the hidden teachings of Torah, unknown to those unfamiliar with its ways. This might explain why mistakenly we read the books of non-Jews and Jews who don't observe Torah and mitzvot, drawing from their ideologies. Therefore, therapeutic credentials should be granted only to those with esteemed knowledge and profound understanding of Jewish moral books, vast halachic learning, and extensive knowledge in books of faith, combined with advice from Torah scholars.

A great figure who devoted himself to saving souls from spiritual downfall was Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, of blessed memory. His teachings continue to influence many Jews, both those distant from Torah and observance, and those raised in devout homes. His foremost disciple, Rabbi Nathan of Nemiroff, documented in his work "Likutei Halachot" (Breaking Bread 6:37), a remark by Rabbi Nachman to a man believed to be insane: "If you wish, you are not crazy." He clarified that as long as a person willingly commits a wrongdoing or an act of madness (assuming they are not a 'shoteh'—one exempt from mitzvot as explained in the Shulchan Aruch, and does not have a debilitating brain condition affecting comprehension), they have the same power to choose repair over destruction. He added that free will is always in the hands of every person, at every time, at every level—even if they think their situation is uniquely dire and the statement doesn't apply to them, it does: free choice is always at every soul's disposal, at every moment, without excuse! It's crucial to understand that, according to Jewish law, many psychiatric patients aren't 'shotim,' but have the choice to rise above their condition. Psychiatric medications make their ethical work easier by curbing the deceitful imagination trying to dominate them, but even without medication, free will exists.

The core of our endeavor is ethical work, the root solution to all ailments, issues, and distress! Even if medication is indispensable, it must go hand in hand with moral endeavors. There's no doubt that mental illness causes changes in body chemistry, but if a person overcomes delusion and madness, fostering joy and positive actions, they bring healing to their biochemistry, as demonstrated in research. Therefore, when Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, who achieved astounding levels of holiness and self-control, asserts that choice is yours, he states with certainty that free will is unconditionally present at all times (our sages engaged with this topic too, but he emphasized it particularly).

So please, if you're seeking guidance on education, household management, internal and external challenges, and such, delve only into our holy Torah, which holds truths transmitted through generations by the greatest sages and righteous teachers, truly fit to instruct. Pray and meticulously choose the rabbi from whom you derive beliefs and advice. Best of luck!

R. L. Orfelz is a Naturopathic Doctor (N.D), sports instructor (B.Ed), and facilitator of body cleansing and weight loss workshops.

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