As we start the month of Yiar, it may initially appear as a step down from the elevated experiences of Nisan. However, Yiar holds a unique illumination, especially when it comes to healing

While most recognize Yiar for Lag Baomer, celebrated on the 18th, and Yom Ha’atzmaut, many overlook its deep association with healing. Yiar is a month brimming with opportunities for both spiritual and physical renewal, since it’s also fully included in the Sefirat HaOmer track.

Let’s delve deeper into this intriguing aspect of Yiar.

Exploring the Kabbalistic Insights of Yiar

The name Yiar (אייר) itself hints at its healing essence.

It is a contraction of the Hebrew words “אני י״י רופאך” (I am Hashem, your healer). The two Yods in these words symbolize the mystical union of the divine names יהוה and אדני, forming יאהדונהי. This union (Yichud) is well known in the Kavanot especially during the recitation of the Amen response, representing the interconnectedness of Ze’ir Anpin—the six emotional attributes—and Malkhut, symbolizing Hashem’s immanent presence and Kingship.

According to the teachings of the Arizal, Yiar aligns with the Sephirah of Gevurah (strength), following Nissan’s attribute of Chesed (loving-kindness). This transition signifies a time for introspection and purification during the Omer, leading up to the completeness of Shavuot.

Essentially, the triad Chesed, Gevurah and Tiferet (Sivan), show that first we receive an initial illumination for free (Chesed), which is lost. Then we have to work hard to progress without the sweetness we tasted (Gevurah). Finally, we reach completion and balance (Tiferet).

This progression is also hinted in the Zodiac signs (Mazal) of Nissan (the sheep), which is led, can’t do anything to fend itself and receives everything for free. On Yiar, the Mazal is the bull, which is meant to do hard work. Finally on Sivan the Mazal is Gemini, which represents balance.

Yet, some Kabbalists also associate Yiar with the Sephirah of Tiferet (תפראת), which embodies beauty and harmony, and intriguingly includes the root of the word “cure” (רפואה). This correlation illustrates the complex, interwoven nature of Kabbalistic traditions, which shows how we can analyze a concept through multiple perspectives.

True Healing in Jewish Tradition

The concept of true healing extends beyond the physical in Jewish thought. The work Shaarei Kedusha (Gates of Holiness) teaches that the soul mirrors the human body’s structure. In this view, our essence lies not in our physical form but in our spiritual and energetic makeup.

Judaism perceives humans as intricate beings, composed of various layers: the physical body, soul vestments, the soul’s after-image, and the soul itself, which includes five distinct parts, and Mokhin (divine consciousness).

The Torah and Kabbalah in particular suggest a holistic approach to health, aligning closely with principles found in Traditional Chinese Medicine. For example, the Kabbalistic term for soul vestments (מלבוש) shares the numerical value of “electricity” (חשמל), hinting at an energetic dimension to our being, the “energy body”, which is the interface between the soul and the body.

When facing illness, the Torah advocates addressing both the spiritual causes—such as soul blemishes or divine decrees—and the physical symptoms. This belief is mirrored in the spiritual realm, where every occurrence has its origin.

Furthermore, Rebbe Nachman teaches about the profound spiritual and physical properties of herbs. He also teaches that failing to address the spiritual root of an ailment risks its recurrence, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our health and spiritual state. We must first annul the spiritual decree, and only then address the physical counterpart of the disease.

In Yiar, we are invited to explore these layers of healing and transformation, reminding us that our journey through the months is not just a passage of time but a pathway to deeper understanding and wholeness.

Secrets of the heart

The crucial question is: how does one harness healing?

While there is no shortage of methods, it is vital to consult medical professionals for serious conditions. Yet, for less urgent issues, or those that are spiritual and psychological in nature, the solution often lies in cultivating awareness and engaging in prayer. Prayer is above nature, as Rebbe Nachman teaches, and one can achieve anything and everything with it.

In our quest for answers, we tend to prioritize cognitive solutions, frequently overlooking the emotional aspects. However, the Zohar highlights through Eliyahu’s prayer that the heart is the center of understanding, corresponding to the Sephirah of Binah.

Often, the solutions we seek are beyond the grasp of our conscious, rational mind, accessible only through the heart, which generates significantly more bio-electricity than the brain—up to 100 times more (some say 5.000 times more). This makes the heart a powerful receptor, capable of sensing and responding to the body’s non-verbal signals.

This insight brings us full circle.

To tap into this profound source of wisdom, consider this meditation exercise: find a quiet space, adopt a comfortable posture, and clear your mind for one or two minutes. Focus your attention on your heart and pose a question. It’s important to approach the answers with discernment, as interpretation is often required. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov emphasizes in Likutey Moharan that the heart is the epicenter of bodily pain, reflecting the collective suffering, akin to the Tzadik of the generation who feels everyone’s pain.

Focusing on the heart not only heightens awareness but also enhances prayer, tapping into the deep reservoir of emotions—energetically described in English as “energy in motion.” This aligns with the Talmudic wisdom, “Rachmana Liba Ba’ei” (the Merciful One desires the heart), underscoring the profound impact of heartfelt prayer.

Yes, the energy of the heart can be harnessed to bring healing in life. It all depends on how well we use it. Interestingly, the Hebrew phrase for “paying attention,” שים לב (literally “put your heart”), encapsulates this concept beautifully.

When you pay attention to something, you direct your heart to it, and this is also seen in psychology where trauma needs to be dealt first by identifying it, in order to healed. Beautiful, no?

May we all be blessed to harness this healing power and be spared from suffering.