Insights into Moral Injury and Soul Repair from Classical Jewish Texts

Abstract

This article explores how Jewish biblical, rabbinic, and liturgical texts can be used to broaden and deepen an understanding of moral injury. To date, the literature on moral injury has been written from secular, Christian and Muslim perspectives. The primary purpose of our research was to find concepts and language that could speak specifically to Jewish clergy members, expand their awareness of moral injury, and enhance their pastoral work with those suffering from such injury, however derived. To do so, we surveyed a broad spectrum of Jewish literature. We found a rich body of writings that address moral injury, offer new ways of thinking about guilt and responsibility, and prescribe a methodology for healing. While these biblical texts, prayers and legal writings speak in a particular Jewish idiom, they can be utilized by clergy of all faiths.