Introduction
Openness to travel seems basic to the Jewish soul. Just as Jews are said to be “The people
of the Book,” they may be aptly described historically as “The people of the journey or voyage.”
As recent works such as Pilgrimage and the Jews by David Gitlitz and Linda Kay
Davidson and Reorienting the East by Martin Jacobs reveal, voluntary travel has long
held a vital part in Jewish communal history. Lesser known to Judaic scholars, however,
is the role of travel in early Hasidism to promote individual well-being. Especially in light of
growing psychological interest in how travel strengthens such desirable traits as gratitude,
kindness, and contentment, I’d like to highlight the intriguing technique of early Hasidic
counseling which I call directed travel. This paper will explore its basic features, the
possible underlying dynamics that contributed to its success, and implications for adaption today.
The historical backdrop
Life was hard for Jews in 19th-century Eastern Europe. Especially for the majority who
resided in impoverished shtetls, economic and political hardship, combined with social
immobility, caused widespread despair. Stagnation was not only a communal phenomenon
but also experienced psychologically by many individuals who saw no possibility of opportunity
or change. In this milieu, early Hasidic leaders were highly concerned about identifying
symptoms of melancholy (depression in today’s terminology) and its resulting dangers. Even a
casual perusal of their sermons and tracts indicates this outlook.
For example, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov stated that “One who is sad brings upon oneself
many afflictions” and “Sadness leads to quarrels; joy to peace.” Similarly, Rabbi Yechiel
Danziger asserted that “Sadness is the worst quality in a person…To the one obsessed by
sadness, one’s very body feels heavy to carry around. One cannot abide oneself or others.”
More pointedly, the Chabad-Lubavitch founder Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liady observed
in his major work Tanya that “Melancholy renders a person unresponsive and unable to
act. It deprives him of his capabilities and strips him of his energy.”
To help congregants overcome such distress, Hasidic rebbes forged a variety of
interventions. Some were relatively traditional in scope and format, such as relying on prayer
combined with ritual objects to bolster religious faith and hope in general. However, one of the
most innovative techniques, with particular relevance today for positive psychology and
counseling, used travel as a way to break emotional stagnation and spur decision-making. This is
how it worked.
At least twice per year, hasidim would typically meet individually with their rebbe in an
encounter known as yechidus. The term refers to a private meeting between rebbe and Hasid, and
is linked to the Hebrew word for “unity”). In the yechidus, which was imbued with deep
meaning for its participants, hasidim sought a blessing and sometimes specific guidance
concerning troubling circumstances, such as involving livelihood or family matters. A
dialogue would take place, often comprising question-and-answer between rebbe and hasid. The
“advice” phase of the yechidus was known as the etzah (a cognate of the Hebrew root-word etz
or tree), in which the rebbe would prescribe a remedy for action. Hasidic imagery depicted the
etzah as a method by which the rebbe directs a hasid, just as an expert gardener turns or bends a
tree for more fruitful growth; for this reason, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov poetically described the
rebbe as the “master of the orchard.”
Within the etzah or action-remedy phase of yechidus that followed heartfelt dialogue, the
rebbe’s advice to supplicants was sometimes to travel alone to a particular, unfamiliar location
and “there you will find the answer to your problem.” That was all. Nothing more specific was
provided in the rebbe’s directive and no time-frame for attaining the redemptive solution was
given. In conveying this etzah, the rebbe’s tone was wholly supportive and confident. No matter
if the stipulated location seemed irrelevant in relation to the hasid’s perceived adversity, the
rebbe’s wisdom was viewed as transcending common-sense criteria, and rebuttal was therefore
rare.
Regarding the rebbe as virtually infallible due to his holiness, the hasid would depart in
an emotional state of high expectation, and often, with renewed hope and long suppressed
optimism about the future. The assigned destination was not only unfamiliar, but also one in
which he or she was a stranger. Trusting implicitly in the rebbe’s visionary ability, the
hasid would be far more conscious than usual of surroundings: that is, in contemporary
English usage, behaving with much greater mindfulness.
Upon arrival at the assigned locale, the hasid was guided by the teaching that the divine is
hidden within the ordinary aspects of everyday life. A related notion was that divine messages
are often communicated by symbols, rather than direct and obvious statements, and lastly, that
all people are potential messengers in a higher plan; whether they’re consciously aware of their
role isn’t necessary or important. With ardent belief in these theological concepts, the hasid was
sure that seemingly random events might harbor deep mysteries, revelations, and, ultimately, the
“answer to your problem.” And so, the hasid confidently opened his or her sensibility to observe
and ponder the deeper meaning of commonplace, even trivial happenings.
How might the epiphany be catalyzed? Through an overheard conversation between
strangers, an unexpected encounter in the marketplace with a past acquaintance, a beautiful
natural vista, or a vivid dream that night in the inn? Possibly any or none of those. Instead, it
might come as the hasid gazed at unfamiliar faces and scenes--and suddenly longed for home. Or
it might come after experiencing hours of slow-moving time dissociated from all of one’s
familiar, daily routines. Whatever the specific spark, it would ultimately bring the “answer to
your problem.” When the grateful, newly-empowered hasid (or other individual) would return to
the rebbe and extol his uncanny guidance, the rebbe’s gentle reply was frequently reported as:
“You already had the answer inside you. I simply helped you to find it.”
Why was directed travel effective?
Of course, it’s unlikely that every case of directed travel in early Hasidism was successful. Undoubtedly, some supplicants including the most ardent hasidim failed to gain an epiphany with transformative power; as to what the next step might have been for such persons is historically unclear. However, from the commonality of this technique in early Hasidic counseling, we can safely assume its general effectiveness, and more importantly for us today, unravel the underlying reasons why. This latter task is necessary because Hasidic rebbes did not produce any texts that explicated the theory and practice of directed travel as a means to empower individuals feeling emotionally blocked or stymied, or to paraphrase Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liady, those “unable to act and stripped of energy.” Based on concepts from positive psychology, however, it’s possible to construct a viable explanatory model, one with relevance for contemporary application. Four overlapping considerations seem most relevant.
Firstly, the rebbe’s warm, empathic encouragement during the yechidus encounter can be seen as strengthening hope--a quality that scientific research has linked to such beneficial outcomes as increased happiness, greater personal achievement, and even lowered risk of death. Empirical studies have shown that hopeful people have a greater sense that life is meaningful, and that emotional hope in particular is connected to happiness. Indeed, an entire body of positive psychology, known as hope theory, emphasizes the vital role of hope in bolstering daily well-being.
Secondly, the rebbe’s directive to travel alone for several days allowed the hasid to escape, at least temporarily, from the tight, often constricting, network of social relations that characterized Jewish life during that era.
Indeed, this getaway for some may have marked their first time to be unfettered from constant interaction with social intimates, however well-meaning,
who imposed their own perceptions and values on the hasid’s life. Such a sense of freedom,
whether consciously or unconsciously felt, must surely have been uplifting and helped generate
an epiphany.
Thirdly, the process of journeying alone for several days can be identified as creating a
precious “space” for mental de-cluttering and self-reflection. Certainly, this phase would have
complemented that of physical disengagement just described. It may be no coincidence that
Jewish mystical theology, such as conveyed in the 13th-century Zohar and embraced by Hasidic
leaders, taught that the physical universe was created by a “vacated space” in which the divine
essence was withdrawn. In the esoteric branch of Judaism known as Kabbalah, this classic
theological concept is called the tzimzum. Thus, deeply embedded within early Hasidism was the
notion that even at the highest levels of existence, creation requires “space” or “room” for
growth. Guided by this notion, rebbes may therefore have deliberately sought to foster mental
detachment (and subsequent creative problem-solving) by mandating several days of solo travel.
Fourthly, in considering the hasid’s heightened sense of awareness in arriving at the
assigned destination, where everything seen and heard is potentially meaningful, the
concept of mindfulness advanced by Dr. Ellen Langer of Harvard University seems highly
relevant. That is, based on the socio-cognitive notion that people often go through daily life in a
mental state akin to “autopilot,” she has defined mindfulness “as the process of paying attention
on purpose to the present moment, of being aware of novelty in experiences and contexts and
events.” Dr. Langer emphasizes its importance in constructive thinking and learning,
and additional researchers have linked such mindfulness to fewer symptoms of emotional
distress including anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
Thus, it seems likely that by experiencing a wholly unfamiliar locale in a state of heightened
awareness, the hasid could transcend his or her usual condition of “autopilot” functioning
and achieve a state of intense mindfulness, in which insight and epiphany could emerge.
This third phase of the hasid’s journey might be called that of discovery. Involving a heightened
interest in one’s surroundings, it also appears relevant to mounting research in positive
psychology on curiosity as a motivating force contributing to personal meaning and well-being.
Implications for Application
Can the technique of directed travel be transferred successfully from such a different cultural
milieu to our own time? After all, mental health professionals are hardly regarded as holy
figures, and for most of us, travel is less arduous and adventurous than it was in 19th-century
Eastern Europe. Nevertheless, I’m convinced that meaningful adaptations are indeed possible to
spur personal growth and decision-making; these particularly relate to Langer’s concept of
mindfulness versus auto-pilot functioning. Indeed, people today may have an even greater need
to transcend their daily routine than those during the early Industrial Age. Of course, nowadays
it’s constant dependency on the Internet and smart phone usage that negate self-reflection and
encourage passivity, rather than the social pressures of small-town life.
Firstly, as a method of personal growth, individuals can self-initiate directed travel: that is,
without the necessity for obtaining a mandate from a rebbe-like, external guiding figure.
Self-initiated directed travel can be undertaken whenever decision-making is needed on a
pressing matter, or when feels chronically bored, stagnant, or emotionally adrift. Rather than
responding to an external directive, one chooses an unfamiliar location at least several hours
away by transportation, preferably where extended strolling or hiking is possible, and goes there
alone. Certainly, before embarking, it’s useful to plant the “seed thought” through deep
relaxation that within the self-assigned locale, “the answer to my problem will be found.” To
avoid the possibility of egoistic influence in selecting the destination, one can invite a friend to
suggest it, or with eyes closed, make a random choice on a regional map.
To enhance receptivity to events large and small, it’s preferable to use public transportation,
since automobile driving tends to narrow rather than expand our attentiveness to surroundings.
No advance itinerary should be scheduled, and it’s important to bring a journal for writing
observations, insights, or epiphanies. As much as possible, it’s best to adopt the early
Hasidic outlook that witnessed events and overhead conversations of all types can be interpreted
symbolically; sometimes “the answer” will lie precisely in such symbolism. What make
self-initiated directed travel experientially different from ordinary tourism is the necessity for
choosing an unfamiliar place, dispensing with an itinerary, and deliberately “seeding” an attitude
of utmost mindfulness.
Secondly, directed travel can be used as an adjunct in counseling. In this situation, the
counselor suggests a specific destination based on content from previous counseling sessions
including the client’s dreams. The crucial consideration is that the prospective destination is
unfamiliar to the client from past experience, and one in which ample strolling or hiking is
possible. For both self-initiated and counseling forms of directed travel, the ease of airplane
usage allows for much more distant journeys than were common in the early Hasidic era.
Not all counseling cases may lend themselves well to the early Hasidic technique of
directed travel. Of course, clinical judgment is necessary. But growing research from positive
psychology and allied fields suggests a solid scientific basis for its efficacy in spurring personal
growth and epiphanic experience.
References
Chen, C. C., Lai, Y.H. & Lin, Y.C. (2017). How does taking a vacation relieve your work stress?
Bali: 15th APacCHRIE Conference.
Frauman, E. (2004). Mindfulness as a tool for managing visitors to tourism destinations.
Journal of Travel Research, 43, 381-389.
Filep, S., Macnaughton, J. & Glover, T. (2017). Tourism and gratitude: Valuing acts of kindness.
Annals of Tourism Research, 66, 26-36.
Gitliz, D. M. & Davidson, L.K. (2006). Pilgrimage and the Jews. Westport, CT: Praeger.
Glover, T.D. & Filep, S. (2015). On kindness of strangers in tourism. Annals of Tourism
Research, 50, 159-172.
Jacobs, M. Reorienting the East: Jewish Travelers to the Medieval Muslim World. (2014).
Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.
Kashdan, T.B. & Steger, M.F. (2007). Curiosity and pathways to well-being and meaning
in life: Traits, states, and everyday behaviors. Motivation & Emotion, 31, 159-173.
Kirillova, K., Lehto, X. & Cai, L. (2017). Tourism and existential transformation: An empirical
investigation. Journal of Travel Research, 56, 638-650.
McDonald, M.G. (2008). The nature of epiphanic experience. Journal of Humanistic
Psychology, 48, 89-115.
Moscado, G. (2017). Exploring mindfulness and stories in tourist experiences.
International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, 11, 111-124.
Newman, L.I. Hasidic Anthology. NY: Schocken, 1975.
Noy, C. (2003). This trip really changed me: Backpackers’ narratives of self-change. Annals of
Tourism Research, 31, 78-102.
Pagini, F., Bercovitz, K.E. & Phillips, D. (2018). Langerian mindfulness, quality of life
and psychological symptoms in a sample of Italian students. Health and Quality of Life
Outcomes, 16, 29.
Pearce, P.L. & Packer, J. (2013). Minds on the move: New links from psychology to
Tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 40, 386-411.
Pleeging, E., Burger, M. & van Exel, J. (2019). The relations between hope and subjective
well-being: A literature overview and empirical analysis. Applied Research in Quality
of Life. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-019-09802-4.
Rickly-Boyd, J.M. (2012). Lifestyle climbing: Toward existential authenticity. Journal of Sports
& Tourism, 17, 85-104.
Robledo, M.A. & Batle, J. (2017). Transformational tourism as a hero’s journey.
Current Issues in Tourism, 20, 1736-1748.
Sakai, M., Yagi, A.& Murayama, K. (2018). Curiosity in old age: A possible key to achieving
adaptive aging. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 88, 106-116.
Schachter, Z. & Hoffman, E. (1983). Sparks of light: counseling in the Hasidic tradition.
Boulder: Shambhala.
Schacter-Shalomi, Z. & Miles-Yepez, N. (2011). A hidden light: Stories and teachings of
Early HaBaD and Bratzlav Hasidim. Sante Fe, NM: Gaon.
Scholem, G. (1996). On the Kabbalah and its Symbolism. NY: Schocken.
Steinsalz, A. (2007). Understanding the Tanya, volume three in the definitive commentary
on a classic work of Kabbalah by the world’s foremost authority. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Snyder, C.R., Rand, K.L. & Sigmon, D.R. (2002). Hope theory: A member of the positive
psychology family. In C.R. Snyder & Lopez, S. J. (Eds.). Handbook of Positive Psychology
(pp. 257-276). London, England: Oxford University Press.
Taylor, L.L. & Norman, W.C. (2019). The influence of mindfulness during the travel
anticipation phase. Tourism Recreation Research, 44, 76-90.
Tse, T.S.M. (2014). Does tourism change our lives? Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research,
19, 989-1008.
Weir, K. (2013). Mission impossible—Being hopeful is good for you and psychologists’
research is pinpointing ways to foster the feeling. Monitor on Psychology, 44, 42.
Wineman, A. (2001). The Hasidic parable: An anthology with commentary. Philadelphia:
Jewish Publication Society.