Spiritual Sheltering

The current COVID-19 pandemic is not the first instance in history of a plague. And social distancing is not new as a response. In our tradition, illness sometimes required isolation. What one did with that isolation was the key to a cure.

In this week’s Torah reading, Tazriah-Metzorah the Priests passed judgment on a skin disease that was later referred to as leprosy. There was no medical remedy available. The ill person was put in isolation. Sound familiar? 

These verses beg another question. It seems that, in the absence of doctors, the religious leaders, the priests, took on a health care role. There were no pharmaceuticals in their arsenal. Yet, the priests were likely more concerned with spiritual fitness than medical cures. Applying ancient theological praxis, if one was afflicted then that person must have been engaged in some iniquitous behavior.

The treatment prescribed was separation. Seven days outside of the community and then reexamination.  If the skin eruption had not healed, then seven more days apart was required.

Perhaps, however, we could change the equation. Rather than presume that spiritual lack causes illness, what if our spiritual health supports our ability to cope with illness?

Today many find prolonged separation from community to be unhealthy. Most people crave some companionship and touch. Mental health suffers from isolation – disrupted sleep, depression and altered eating habits.

On the other hand, there have always been monastic traditions of prolonged separation and even silence as a spiritual exercise. Therefore, both separation as causative and separation as curative are correct. The distinction is our ability to strengthen our soul force while in separation. Certainly, the priests thought that separation was key to restoring spiritual well-being, and spiritual health would bring physical healing.

While hunkering down, we can engage in exercises that will improve our spiritual and therefore physical and mental health. Now is a good time to figure out a spiritual practice that will work for you. Meditation, yoga, torah study, or prayer are always available to you. Perhaps these spiritual modalities will best help you, not only to endure but to thrive. 

My spiritual practice is Talmud study. What spiritual practice best suits your time in seclusion?

R’ Evan J. Krame