Community Rabbi, Doctor of Naturopathy and Father of Six: Meet Netanya's Childlessness Healer

"One of the most touching aspects of my long and eventful career," says Dr. Avraham Gdania, "is the relatively high number of times I was honored to be the sandek at the bris of children born to parents who struggled with significant fertility issues, and with Hashem's help and my efforts, they were blessed with healthy offspring.

"Even among these moving cases, there are particularly interesting stories. For example, a few years ago, a couple came to me who had struggled for years to have children. Thank God, the woman quickly became pregnant. Before she realized she was pregnant, she planned an invasive treatment that would have led to a miscarriage. Miraculously, she discovered she was pregnant just in time and naturally avoided the procedure. I also had the privilege of being the sandek at this child's bris."

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Meet Dr. Avraham Meir Gdania, nearly sixty, married, and father of six, a community rabbi residing in Netanya, who has been a naturopath and homeopath for forty years and also serves as a kollel member locally. "Around 1982, I began treating people for a wide variety of issues, from the easiest to the most challenging, such as cancer, fertility issues, and more. I used to treat psychiatric issues as well, but stopped because of the mental effort required, and I'm not young anymore. Meanwhile, I also work at Leumit Health Services here in Netanya, treating patients with naturopathy and homeopathy."

Let's start with Torah words - how does your role as a community rabbi express itself?

"I give lessons in several places around the Doria neighborhood in Netanya, both during the weekdays and on Shabbat, and thank God, dozens of people attend and participate. I've lived in this neighborhood for forty years. In the mornings, I learn at the local kollel, mainly halacha studies."

And where did you study naturopathy, and what do you mainly treat?

"I studied in Tel Aviv at a natural medicine school and have continued learning ever since. I am constantly studying. Today, thank God, I have a doctorate in naturopathy. Regarding treatment, the most common issues are people with cholesterol problems, and thank Hashem, we often manage to reduce it quickly. Besides common issues, there are relatively exceptional cases, like a patient who came to me needing heart surgery, which was ultimately avoided with treatment. My method is natural, incorporating proper nutrition tailored to the patient and natural medications I provide. I guide my patients towards a healthy lifestyle, and their condition gradually stabilizes and improves."

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How do you integrate your roles as a rabbi and a practitioner of complementary medicine?

"I integrate my two roles in the treatment I offer, by addressing the body—nutrition, medications, and more—and also the soul, as a rabbi. This way, I include spirituality in the physical treatment I provide. This approach greatly facilitates the physical treatment. In most cases, the combination helps the patient undergo the process more effectively."

Can you elaborate on the integration you described?

"Certainly. Let me give you an example. I had a patient with cancer. This disease, people should know, actually starts more in the soul and then manifests in the body. Cancer is 'sar tinu'—a person with resentment towards someone or something could develop cancer. Not necessarily, but it's possible. During treatment, my questioning revealed the patient harbored intense resentment towards someone who wronged him over thirty years ago. As our conversations progressed, he gradually forgave. Hashem helped immensely—as He always does—and the patient overcame cancer relatively easily. It was incredible to witness. Hashem does everything; we only do our part.

"One more important point, I never interfere with what a doctor prescribes or alter their recommendations. I only integrate and add my contribution with what Hashem has granted me to know and understand. I simply complement the treatment, whether it's minor or severe. I merely assist. In most cases, gradually, conditions improve, and then the doctor naturally reduces or even stops the medication, to everyone's delight."

As our conversation deepens, I see how Dr. Gdania is fully immersed in the world of Torah, faith in Hashem, and integrates matters of holiness into his practice. He makes space for Hashem in all his endeavors. "Prayer is a crucial part of treatment success," he says towards the end of our conversation, reserving what is truly important for closure. "It reflects a person's faith. Those who don't believe don't pray, and those who do find it helps their healing. Undeniably. Whether it's written prayers or improvised ones, they significantly aid recovery. Also, let's not forget the importance of gratitude. Thanking Hashem for everything. Even what seems unfavorable. Gratitude improves and rectifies many things. Prayer is, indeed, most important of all."

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In conclusion, do you have any health advice for the readers?

"In the physical realm, there are do's and don'ts. The two most harmful elements to avoid—sugar and fats—need to be cut out. Any kind of fat, oil, etc., are the top nuisances worldwide. I eliminate them for any patient that comes to me. For the do's—eat healthily: vegetables, fruits, legumes. On the spiritual side, I always remind people to first and foremost thank Hashem for everything. Even for seemingly unfavorable outcomes. Gratitude enhances and amends many things. Prayer is, indeed, most essential."