How Action-Based Spirituality Supports Mental Health

In the West, we often define religion by what someone believes—their faith, their dogma, their creed. But in studying Judaism this week, I was struck by a powerful distinction: Judaism is a system of deed, not creed.

As Douglas Kohn notes, of the 613 commandments given in the Hebrew Bible, all are charges of behavior, not of abstract faith.

The "Mitzvah" to Heal

This concept of Mitzvah—a divinely commanded obligation—places a massive emphasis on action. Specifically, the obligation to heal is a cornerstone of Jewish behavior.

For a clinician, this provides a clear roadmap for helping Jewish clients access their spiritual strengths. Instead of asking them to meditate on abstract concepts, we can look to their "Outer Resources."

• Are they actively engaged in healing others?

• Do they observe the holy days?

• How are they serving their community?

Because their spirituality is rooted in action, their recovery often lies in action, too. We can support these clients by incorporating these acts of service and observance directly into their treatment plans.

"Saving an Entire World"

There is a quote from the Talmud that resonated deeply with my own values as a therapist:

"If any person saves a single soul, Scripture regards him as if he has saved an entire world."

This is a beautiful reminder that our work matters. In therapy, we often feel like we are fighting massive, systemic problems with tiny tools. But this perspective reminds us that saving one person is saving a world. Whether through therapy or a simple act of kindness, these deeds ripple outward in ways we cannot always see.