Following is the first in The Chronicle’s series of essays focusing on one’s core belief as a Jew. Readers are invited to submit a short article about the philosophy or belief that seems core to their Jewish identity at chronicle@milwaukeejewish.org.
I believe that I have rediscovered the majesty and great depth of Judaism by integrating it with psychology into a harmonious system.
It has helped me to better understand how Torah serves as a fortress of the mind and spirit while providing a blueprint for everyday living. It has given me greater insight regarding issues pertinent to positive mental health and prevention of mental illness.
Consider, for example, the Torah portion “Terumah” (Exodus 25:1-27:19), which highlights the mitzvot given by G-d to the Jewish people regarding the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) which housed the Ark of the Covenant and the tablets of the Ten Commandments.
The introductory verses state, “Hashem spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Speak to the Children of Israel and let them take for Me a portion, from every man whose heart motivates him you shall take My portion’” (Exodus 25:1-2). Further on, G-d states, “They shall make a Sanctuary for Me so that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8).
I believe much can be learned from this portion that can affect our lives positively. Consider, for example, the question of giving. By giving one receives, but of particular importance is how we give.
The Israelites gave to G-d willingly and with a full heart. It was the only gift they could possibly give since He owned every physical thing they possessed (Rashi, cited in Pinchas Winston’s “Perceptions”).
We see here a reciprocal relationship based on mature love and caring. For the Israelites, in the service of G-d, there was something special to live for and something to live by. Their voluntary contributions surely enhanced their zest for living and spiritual growth. As Irvin Yalom points out in “Existential Psychotherapy,” mature, genuine caring alters, enriches and fulfills one and attenuates a person’s existential loneliness.
Experimental research shows that giving voluntarily heightens happiness and contributes to a longer and healthier life. It strengthens the nervous system, boosts the immune system and promotes positive mental health (Brent Hafen et al., “Mind/Body Health”).
By constructing G-d’s Tabernacle, the Israelites were dedicated to a major cause that, with self-sacrifice and commitment, bestowed a positive sense of meaning. A profound sense of connection to G-d and to each other emerged together with a sense of identity and accomplishment. This provided a source of spiritual sustenance, emotional comfort and rootedness, important for promoting peace of mind.
Empirical research has shown that a high purpose in life is associated with low death anxiety. Moreover, a lack of sense of meaning in life is linked to psychopathology: the lower the sense of meaning, the greater the pathology (Yalom, ibid).
I believe Terumah teaches that mature love is loving, not simply being loved. It is active and characterized by a reciprocal caring related to G-d, each other, and to mankind. Finally, when Torah tells us that G-d dwells among us and within us, we feel valued and affirmed in our being.
Bernard L. Green, Ph.D., is a member of Anshe Sfard Kehillat Torah, Milwaukee. He is a practicing psychologist at Affinity Medical Group in Appleton where he has worked for the last 21 years. He is a native of South Africa and has lived in the U.S. since 1973.
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