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Abraham Joshua Heschel provides valuable lessons for surgeons
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As my Jewish friends and colleagues celebrated the Holy Day of Yom Kippur, I am reminded of one of the greatest spiritual writers of our time, Rabbi Abraham Heschel. Heschel was a Polish-born American rabbi and one of the leading contemporary Jewish theologians. His life was characterized by faith in action as he ardently opposed racism and the Vietnam War. His writings reflect a deep spirituality and openness to the Divine in all.
Heschel’s quotes on three realms – commitment, mindfulness and regard for the aged and infirmed – have been especially useful to me in my quest to become a better “healer.”
On commitment he once said, “God is of no importance unless He is of supreme importance.”
Heschel believed in absolute commitment in faith. For those of us who believe in a higher power, we will never fully realize our faith until we “sell out” for our God. In Heschel’s eyes, there is no utility in going “half way” in anything. In fact, he once commented that “life without commitment is not worth living.”
For those of us who are believers, are we truly committed? Do we honor our marriage vows? Do we honor our oath to our patients? Do we “walk the talk” and take care of ourselves?
On living in the moment, he once said “ Something sacred is at stake in every event.” Heschel saw the divine in all and the “likeness of God” in every human. He essentially urged us to take a “breather” and look at life anew and with wonder. Heschel recognized that when we live in the moment, we are tapping into the Divine mind and learn to appreciate His wonderful creation. In Heschel’s eyes, indeed everything and everyone is “sacred.”
Do we take time to breathe and appreciate nature? When was the last time we looked at our spouse with wonder? When was the last time you felt a Divine Presence within?
On care for the aged or infirmed, Heschel once said “A test of a people is how it behaves toward the old. It is easy to love children. Even tyrants and dictators make a point of being fond of children. But the affection and care for the old, the incurable, the helpless are the true gold mines of a culture.”
Heschel affirmed the intrinsic worth of even the incurable. His attitude toward the aged and infirmed creates a positive culture of respect and healing regardless of age, race or station in life. There is no doubt Heschel would show great indignation to the term “gomer” or “dirtball.”
Do we treat the treat the street person with the same dignity as the VIP? Do we realize that the “90-year-old hip fracture” in bed six is also someone’s parent?
Thank you, Rabbi Heschel, for helping us to give the gift of true healing.