Yoga for mental health
Question
Hello Rabbi. I have severe OCD that just got treated at intensive mental health center. They recommended that I partake in activities that truly calm down my mind and one of those is yoga. I want to be a good Jew and not practice idolatry but I just love yoga so much. I do not believe in its mystical teachings and refuse to bow at the end of class. Should I give up yoga?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Harav Fried shlit”a says that there’s no problem with yoga exercises themselves, the issue is only with the phrases or sayings that are sometimes said along with the exercises.
So, as long as the class follows this guideline, of not using these types of phrases and sayings, there’s no issue with joining it.
Wishing you a Refuah Sheleimah.
Answered by
Head of the English department at sheilot.com, Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Graduate of Yeshivas Ponovezh and Kollel Ponovezh, tested by Mifal Halacha, Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah (2022–2026)
Basar Vecholv, Ta'aroves, Ribis, Laws of Shabbos, Yom Tov, Chol Hamoed, Niddah, Tzitzis and Tefillin, Eiruvin, Succah
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