Mental Health and the Jewish Tradition
Jewish life and learning encourages us to value our mental health and wellbeing. The Jewish tradition is replete with lessons and values which encourages connection, balance, and caring for ourselves, others and the wider world. Judaism recognises the value of our emotional or mental health as integral to the way we live our lives, alongside support to navigate life’s challenges.
Judaism’s holistic view of health, recognising the connection between body and soul, is echoed in our Mi Sheberach prayer for the sick said on Shabbat, which specifies Refuat HaNefesh v’Refuat HaGuf, healing of both body and mind or spirit. The balance of physical and emotional health for overarching health is reinforced by the Jewish value of Pikuach Nefesh, the principle that preserving life overrides almost all other commandments. Mental health is a core part of our overall wellbeing, and supporting ourselves and others is a fundamental value of life above all.
At the heart of Jewish life is our responsibility to each other. Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh B’Zeh – “All of Israel are responsible for each other” (Parshat Behar-Behokotai) teaches the value of community. Feeling supported, seen and connected reduces isolation and boosts mental health. Judaism also recognises that different situations require different kinds of support. In Pirkei Avot 1:6 we learn “Make for yourself a teacher, and acquire for yourself a friend” reminding us that a support network may include trusted friends, religious leadership and, at times, professional help.
The importance of community and relationships is also echoed in our Jewish values of kindness and service to others. Pirkei Avot 1:2 teaches that the world stands on Torah, service and acts of loving kindness. Giving to others, through volunteering and compassionate support, fuel both the recipient and the giver. Kindness is a two-way street which fosters community and connection to everyone’s benefit.
Our responsibility in Judaism extends beyond people to the world around us. Judaism teaches care for the earth through Tikkun Olam – repairing the world, Ba’al Tashchit in Devarim 20:19 to preserve the environment and the commandment ‘Lavdah o’lshamra’ (Bereishit 2:15) meaning to work and protect the land. Caring for the environment, spending time in nature and making mindful choices can be grounding and restorative, supporting emotional balance and a sense of agency.
Caring for ourselves, others and the world around us needs to come with balance and boundaries. Judaism teaches this in Pirkei Avot 1:14 “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I?” acknowledging the need to care for others without neglecting our own needs. Judaism understands that sustainable compassion requires self-care. The importance of self-care, through rest and relaxation, is echoed in the observance of Shabbat, where Shamor v’Zachor, meaning to guard and to remember (Vaetchanan 5:12 and Yitro 20:8), invites us to rest and step back from life’s constant demands.
Gratitude and contentment are a valued part of self-care. “Who is rich? One who is happy with their portion” (Pirkei Avot 4:1) reflects the practice of Hakarat HaTov – recognising the good in our lives. By cultivating gratitude, we create a space for hope, perspective and positivity.
Finally, Judaism offers reassurance in the face of overwhelm. “It is not upon you to complete the work, but neither are you free to step away from it” (Pirkei Avot 4:1) reminds us that we are not required to do everything or carry everything alone. We are invited to contribute what we can, to pace ourselves, and to ask for support when needed.
Together, these teachings are a powerful reminder – not only of the importance of our mental health in Jewish life but also as a pathway to attaining it. Judaism values self-care and rest, balance and boundaries, and compassion and connection in an overarching framework, which values the preservation of life and the vital role that supporting our mental health plays in this.