1. Relationship of Faith and Health in Judaism William Wallen Executive Director The Greater Altoona Jewish Federation

2. Sense of Wholeness and Completion in Judaism in the world and the person. 1. All of us live in an incomplete and broken world. Judaism teaches that we are partners with God, in the repair, healing and completion of the world. 2. The person is an integrated whole - body, mind and spirit. 3. Every person, by virtue of being human, experiences pain and brokenness. We are all in need of healing - achieving or returning to wholeness. 4. Hebrew word schemut translates as both “healing” and “wholeness”.

3. Jewish Mandates on Life and Health 1. Preservation and Protection of life - Pekuah Nefesh - highest commandment - refers to your own life and the lives of others. a. Accordingly, Jews support organ transplants and donations, as well as stem cell research. 2. Since 2 nd century BCE, Judaism has “praised the art of medicine as an instrument of God’s will” Ben Sura.

4. 3. Maimonides (1135-1204) - Jewish philosopher and physician - stressed the obligation to keep the body healthy. 4. We are obligated to be God’s partners in healing and completion of ourselves and others (just as we are God’s partners in the healing and completion of the world). Jewish Mandates on Life and Health cont…

5. Jewish Practices Regarding Healing - in accordance with the Jewish mandates. 1. Many Jews are practitioners and leaders in various fields of medicine and medical research, despite past restrictions and quotas on admittance to medical schools. a. Examples - Psychiatry, polio research and vaccines. 2. Many Jewish hospitals have been established - especially in the United States.

6. 3. The synagogue and the Jewish community also have a responsibility in the healing of its members. a. Judaism teaches that “healing” is not the same as “curing”. Healing is always possible and refers to growing in strength, courage, sense of meaning, identity and belonging. All Jews have a responsibility to aid in healing. b. Bichur Cholim - visiting of the sick- a holy obligation. This helps prevent the isolation of the person from the community and includes bringing meals, making phone calls, providing transportation, etc. The community needs to be educated to provide these services. Jewish Practices Regarding Healing cont…

7. c. The synagogue and communal prayer. 1) Misheberach - prayer for healing. “Renewal of body and renewal of spirit.” It is recited each Shabbat and holiday and mentions everyone’s name who is in need of healing. 2) Healing aspects of turning or returning to God - Teshuvah. There are therapeutic benefits in confession, atonement and forgiveness - the themes of our High Holy Days.

8. d. “Healing Services” (closely related to approach of other faiths) may be held in the synagogue or in homes and utilize Jewish prayers and texts along with meditation, visualization, and physical contact to promote a sense of belonging, support and connection. Jewish Practices Regarding Healing cont…

9. Kol Yisrael Averim Zeh v Zeh “Every Jew is Responsible for One Another”

10. A Healer’s Prayer For Physicians and For All Healers Open my eyes, God; let no symptom of illness elude me. Steady my hands, God; shield me from fear, anxiety, and impatience. Teach me to breathe deeply, to find peace, calm, and clarity in even the most stressful situations. Open my heart, God; remind me that my compassion is as essential as my precision. Open my mind, God; shelter me from distraction, bless me with insight, curiosity, and the humility to ask for help. Open my arms, God; remind me that even when I have no cure to offer, precious healing resides in the touch of my hands. Open my mouth, God; place wisdom on my tongue, bless me with words that are clear and kind, honest and encouraging. Open my ears, God; teach me to listen with my entire being. When I am overwhelmed and exhausted, when I feel as if I have no more to give, be my strength, God, renew my spirit, revive my soul. I am humbled by the miracles that unfold before me each day: miracles of nature, miracles of medicine, miracles of the human spirit, miracles that lie beyond my comprehension. I thank You, God, for entrusting me with this sacred calling. Amen. Rabbi Naomi Levy