Question: Do healings take place on a regular basis within the Jewish faith today? There was a single rather obscure healing claim from the Catholic sector quite recently, sort of a second hand healing by someone who had died, and some one was to be claimed a saint on the grounds, of the “Healing.”

Answer: Jewish tradition recommends that people consult with medical professionals when they are sick.

At the same time, such efforts should be combined with heartfelt prayer to the Al-mighty and the knowledge that He is the ultimate healer while the medical professionals are only emissaries. It is sometimes recommended to ask a more saintly individual to help with the prayers as such people have a close relationship with G-d, but personal prayers are most recommended.

In fact, Judaism preaches that health issues can, among other things, be G-d’s attempt, as it were, to wake a person up from spiritual slumber and rekindle the bond between man and his Creator.

All the Best,
Rabbi Mordechai Dixler

Question: So there is no healing practiced within the Jewish faith? at all? I understand the protocol but am shocked, if this is the case. My personal feelings are that both can be embraced.

Answer: I’m not sure why you’re shocked, but yes, that is the case. There are stories of great saintly individuals who’s blessings would appear to heal others, but these righteous people weren’t the actual healers. The healing resulted from their prayers and trust in Gd.

There are some metaphysical means, perhaps with Kabala, that can be used for healing, but current practice shies away from such methods because of the slippery slope towards idol worship. In the end, those metaphysical means are also powers that emanate from G-d and direct prayer and trust in G-d are the ultimate means of healing in both the practical and the ideal.

All the Best,
Rabbi Mordechai Dixler