Neither Alternative, Medical or Halachic

BS"D

"Neither Alternative, Medical, or Halachic"

By Rabbi Noson Shmuel Leiter

1 Av, 5780 (July 22, '20)

Recently, a book in Hebrew appeared in Israel, entitled "Ki Ani HaShem Rof'echah," which is actually a second version of an English book, initially published over three years ago, entitled "Alternative Medicine in Halacha." Subsequently, the second English version appeared as well.

The basic thesis of the book is to legitimize the notion of "Chi." The author, originally from France, acknowledges that Ch-i is a Taoist concept. In fact, a bit of independent research confirms that the idea of Ch-i is actually foundational to both Taoist and "New-Age" Avoda-Zorah/kefirah (heresy).  In fact, a bit of additional investigation establishes that the concept of Ch-i is a heretical divinity notion, inasmuch as it essentially deifies created or imagined forces. We explain this in detail in our 2008 Hebrew monograph, "Mishmeres HaKodesh," part 3.

Unfortunately, the author of "Alternative Medicine in Halacha" seeks (explicitly) to incorporate the idea of Ch-i into Judaism, adapting the kefirah/idolatrous concept to appear more marketable to monotheistically-oriented people. In addition, he proceeds to "explain" a host of mystical/paranormal practices based on this concept of Ch-i, and related new-age ideas. Moreover, he attempts to argue that these practices (e.g. "energy healing," Applied Kinesiology, Health Kinesiology) are legitimate therapeutic and/or diagnostic techniques, and even permitted by the Torah. He even goes to the bizarre extreme of trying to legitimize and mattir "long- distance energy healing." That itself should say more than enough.

It was said about the "Holy Roman Empire," that it was neither holy, Roman, nor an empire. It should be similarly observed about the aforementioned book, entitled "Alternative Medicine in Halacha" that it too is neither about "Alternative" systems, or Medicine. Rather it is an promotional work advocating "New-Age" / "Universal-Energy-Healing" approaches. Moreover, the book certainly cannot make any  claim to be Halachic. Even on the very face of it, the author acknowledges trying to wed foundational Toaist notions with Judaism. That alone suffices to render this and any other writings of this author out of bounds for the Torah observant Jew.

Additionally, in this version of the book, the author opted to publish a letter, bitterly and inaccurately lashing out at critics of his book. The letter was ostensibly signed by several Rabbis. Included was a signature of R. Shmuel K.  I was alerted to the letter by Rav Moshe Green ZT"L - about three eyears ago, in the summer of 5777. At the time, I called Rav K.  Rav K. unequivocally responded that he didn't sign it, and he was clearly distraught over it then. At that time, he authorized me to publicize the fact (of the forgery).

May we merit the Final Redemption speedily in our days, in the merit of avoiding foreign theological influences.

Good Chodesh,


Rabbi Noson Shmuel Leiter,

Tomim Tih'yeh