“The more religion becomes identified with mental health, the more difficult it is to have a genuine relationship with G-d.”

— Noah Tile

When we stray from our spiritual path, finding our way back isn’t always straightforward.

Sometimes, we must address deeper issues of mental health before we can reconnect.

In this episode of Living Jewishly, Dr. Elliott Malamet speaks with Noah Tile (of the Change Talk podcast) about his journey from being strongly connected to Judaism to searching for spiritual fulfillment elsewhere… and then finding a renewed relationship with it.

His early life was marked by a deep attachment to his Jewishness and being part of the rhythm and flow of a Jewish spiritual life. Once he entered high school, however, classes in Hebrew language and Jewish teachings became just another grade to him.

In University, his connection diminished further, as he became more invested in University life and less interested in his then perceived limitations of religious life.

His path was further complicated by his struggles with mental health.

“I had a very difficult relationship with G-d. I am someone who struggles in certain ways with mental health, particularly OCD,” says Sam. “A lot of my presenting concerns when I was younger were about this fear that if I didn’t do something or say something or pray in a certain way that, G-d forbid, something bad could happen to people that I love.” While he had a strong relationship with G-d, there was a pathological dimension to it that was difficult to navigate.

Wanting to avoid this painful association, he shifted to new age spirituality.

He needed to understand the relationship between his OCD and his Judaism in order to stop associating his Jewish practice with fear, pain, stress, and guilt — and find renewed connection.

Listen to his remarkable story now.

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌

• Why we sometimes experience a diminished connection to our spirituality — and how we can cultivate a deeper appreciation
• How our mental health can influence the way that we feel about our practice
• The eclectic directions that a spiritual path can take before leading back to your roots

Change Talk podcast

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/change-talk-noah-tile-BXD18MaPkFG/