Guiding Your Therapy Experience with Torah
As Yidden, we believe firmly that everything is rooted in Torah. The Zohar famously teaches:
"קודשא בריך הוא ואורייתא כולהו חד"
"Hashem and the Torah are completely one." Just as we affirm the absolute oneness of Hashem ("אין עוד מלבדו"), we also recognize that no true idea, wisdom, or insight can exist independently of Torah.
However, we live in a time of exile (galus), a reality lamented by Yirmiyahu HaNavi in Megillas Eicha (2:9):
מַלְכָּ֨הּ וְשָׂרֶ֤יהָ בַגּוֹיִם֙ אֵ֣ין תּוֹרָ֔ה גַּם־נְבִיאֶ֕יהָ לֹא־מָצְא֥וּ חָז֖וֹן מֵיְהֹוָֽה׃
"Her king and her leaders are among the nations; there is no Torah. Even her prophets find no vision from Hashem."
On this verse, the Midrash states (Eicha Rabbah 2:13):
"אם יאמר לך אדם יש חכמה בגוים—תאמן, יש תורה בגוים—אל תאמן."
"If someone tells you there is wisdom among the nations—believe it. If someone tells you there is Torah among the nations—do not believe it."
What does this mean?
The Navi is declaring and mourning simultaneously, indicating clearly the transition to exile. From now on, the direct clarity of Torah as the source of all wisdom becomes hidden. Instead, wisdom will appear to originate from secular sources, from among the nations. In our era of galus, Hashem presents wisdom and psychological insights through the nations, and indeed we are permitted to engage, understand, and utilize that wisdom.
However, the Navi emphasizes a critical distinction:
"יש תורה בגוים—אל תאמן." Torah, which literally means "guidance" and "direction," remains exclusively the heritage and foundation of Klal Yisrael. True direction for life—emotional, spiritual, or psychological—comes only from Torah.
At Hegyon Libi, we deeply recognize this distinction. The purpose of this page is to help individuals feel more comfortable and confident when encountering new ideas shared by therapists or psychologists. Here, we'll do our best to uncover hints and sources within the Torah that reflect these psychological insights. By revealing the Torah-based roots of these concepts, we hope to strengthen your comfort, clarity, and connection—grounding your therapeutic journey firmly in our sacred tradition.
Why Therapy Matters Now More Than Ever
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it's clear that our generation faces unique challenges. The pressures of our time - whether from societal expectations, technological advancements, or the rapid pace of change, have created an environment where emotional and mental well-being is often strained. Unlike previous generations, we are more acutely aware of the impact these challenges have on our inner lives. This awareness brings with it a growing recognition of the need for therapy as an essential tool for healing and growth.
But why is therapy so vital now, perhaps more than ever before?
To understand this, we must delve into a timeless truth shared by the Rebbe of Peshischa, as brought in Pri Tzadik by Rav Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin.
ושמעתי בשם הרה"ק מפרשיסחא זצ"ל, שאף שהנפשות מתקטנים בכל דור, מ"מ הנקודה שבלב נטהר בכל דור ודור יותר. (פרי צדיק פרשת ויחי)
He taught that while souls may diminish with each generation, the core of the heart becomes purer and more refined. This refinement however, brings with it heightened sensitivity and a greater need for guidance and support. It is within this context that we can appreciate the increasing importance of therapy in our time.