By Rabbi Shea Hecht
Breathing is free. Breathwork isn’t. That alone should make us stop and think.
Now, let me be clear before anyone gets defensive: I like breathing. Breathing is not the issue. The issue is that Breathwork is not a health practice, but a form of New Age indoctrination rooted in Eastern religions, now being marketed to stressed-out Jews as a solution for anxiety, “stored trauma,” and even spiritual emptiness.
If breathwork were simply about health, you would learn the technique and move on. That’s not how it works. Instead, you’re invited into a “journey,” guided by practitioners who have supposedly “gone deeper.” One of the most basic human functions suddenly requires ongoing, paid supervision.
This structure matters. Because it creates dependence.
The deeper you go, the more invested you become, both financially and emotionally. What starts as a session leads to retreats, training, certifications and, eventually, membership in a highly curated community. Somewhere along the way, all of the exit ramps disappear and dependence is redubbed as “growth”. Joining is cheap. Progressing is not. And no matter the question, the answer is always more breathwork.
We’ve heard this song before.
In the 60s and 70s it was gurus and cults like Scientology, Hare Krishnas and the Moonies. All of them promised relief, meaning and belonging. In return, you must stay enlightened, stay guided, stay inside the system. Many intelligent Jews were drawn in, not because they were foolish, but because they were searching. Breathwork is simply the latest version, dressed up as “wellness.”
Yiddishkeit does not promise comfort, and Chabad chassidus certainly does not offer shortcuts. Challenge is not a flaw in our way of life, it’s actually the point. Growth requires effort, but not dependence on New Age systems or outside communities. We already have what we need: mashpiim, farbrengens, and a real community built on ahavas yisroel and emunah.
So here’s the real question: do we honestly believe that the answer to our struggles is paying to learn the right way to breathe? This constant search for relief may not be helping us heal at all, but keeping us from the work that actually changes us.
seems to be conflating a lot together over here, comparing frum breath work and mindfulness to cults and Scientology…
how do we contact you Rabbi Hecht? what is your info
(718) 735-0200
Focusing on breath is essential for birthing. Breathing properly, for example, practicing inhaling through the nose, which we are not used to (we tend to gasp through life as though we were running a marathon) and then exhaling either through the nose or through pursed lips is really relaxing. It really helps lower anxiety. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. I do agree no one needs an expensive practitioner and a whole retreat, just a little instruction for example in the right birthing course or in a low cost workshop can help so much. On the other… Read more »
Studying is free, learning from a teacher isn’t. That alone should make us stop and think.
You got ripped off if your teacher did not teach you how to learn independently period
I would love to hear A few knowledgeable, well respected, well spoken, Rabbis hash this out together.
Yes but they shouldn’t stop there since there are several societal issues to address.
Breathwork is about getting more oxygen to the brain than usual, resulting in more neural connections that helps it mind see connections between things we didn’t notice before.
Missing anything here?
That sentence isn’t logical. More oxygen doesn’t create stronger neural connections. Stronger neural connections are created through practice over and over again.
The poster asked “Missing anything here?” so you can answer, yes. No need to preface with “isn’t logical”…
Huh?
Breathwork is totally fine , acceptable and glatt kosher !
With all due respect the author should take a deep breath and think before writing such an absurd editorial.
U should take a deeep breath
nice dose of humor in this brewing mosh pit
Agreed this has no real foundation
Sir, you are messing with the almighty Rabbi Shea Hecht.
This man has dealt with cults prob before you where born.
You have no right to call this absurd; I’m assuming your knowledge about this stuff amounts to as small as those spaces between your punctuations.
I’ve looked into it and there’s isn’t good evidence that it works, and as R. Hecht points out, the pomp and ceremony around it makes it feel very cult-like. Worse still, some people need real therapy, and instead just get sucked down the rabbit-hole, paying more and more to get deeper and deeper in the vain attempt to solve issues that can be better solved through genuine, evidence-based therapy.
Real therapy is based on open, documented techniques and procedures, not hidden behind paywalls, copyrights and trademarks.
As someone who has tried different breathing techniques to help with anxiety i can attest that it 100% works and there are halachicly ok and very kosher ways to do it.
Can u recommend which models or can u be contacted thanks
Hey, sure! you can reach out to us… just kidding
I have inside info that the breath work company is actually commenting here.
My friend, please be careful
In my opinion, traditional therapy is far more dangerous and against the Torah than any breath work wil ever be.
Therapy needs a goal and a point at which dependency on the therapist ends. It also has to avoid halachically problematic solutions such as family estrangement unless approved by a Rav. Yes, therapy can be treif but done properly has the ability to help.
I see a licensed therapist in an office in Williamsburg. She’s from Crown Heights (H.O.) and is truly exceptional, extremely knowledgeable. I’ve personally experienced a real reduction in stress and anxiety. Most importantly, she focuses on building you so that you can heal outside of therapy.
In my experience, the best therapists don’t want you dependent on weekly sessions, they want you to get better and have the tools to handle life on your own.
This article feels very out touch, from how far we have come as humans, it is a known thing that energy is stored in the body, and no breath work is not some spiritual thing, but allows you to release physical trauma within the body. It appears so many in our community hold onto these beliefs about breath, work meditation any modality that is a bit different from what you know, Why not approach someone That does it and try to understand the route I believe you will only find good things not that there aren’t bad apples everywhere but… Read more »
Did the author ever speak to someone that experienced deep pain and found relief in breathwork?
Why is he making a blanket statement on all breathwork facilitators?
Yes, there might be some that are manipulative, but there are many, including the author of the original article, who are involved because they care for others.
Ok firstly, it sounds like you don’t fully understand what breathwork is and does. I like your point that you make. However, either you don’t understand exactly what breathwork is and does, or you do but you don’t address it. It’s not paying ‘for breathing’. It’s a technique where you are guided to breathe differently, in order to activate a different part of your nervous system, which will help you access and release blockages stored in your subconscious. Regular breathing won’t get you to an altered state of consciousness so clearly this js something different If there’s something we need… Read more »
I mean, he says that his issue is not with the learning of the techniques etc. I took it to referring to the ceremonial shamanistic garment that many of these programs often put on.
It takes courage to go against the tide.
Thank you
continue your great work of cult busting.
Maybe the courage that is going against the tide – is doing what you need to do to heal and not shoving all your problems under a rug and pretending they don’t exist?
All the off the derch push it!
All the Florida facilitators are in one form or another otd or were the rebellious ones growing up. It’s all the same influencers pushing the next fad into the community. I always wonder how much healing and years of advocating for healing will ever be enough, like omg you are not healed yet?
My gut feeling tells me he’s right
Does that mean teachers are fraud?
The work that actually changes us is not limited to mashpiim and farbrengens. Those are powerful, but they do not replace therapy or other legitimate healing tools. Breathwork, like any practice, can become unhealthy if taken to extremes, but it does not have to be cult like. It is not simply about learning how to breathe. The technique uses intentional, unsustainable breathing patterns to access the subconscious, quiet mental noise, and regulate the nervous system. I have tried it a few times without investing heavily, and one of the most valuable takeaways for me – was learning breath control. For… Read more »
originate in eastern religions??????????!!!!!!!!!!! look at its source!!!!!!!!!!! idolatry. false religions.
Breathwork does not need to be religious. Maybe educate yourself before commenting. Just like Yoga or meditating – they can be done in kosher settings that are not at all religious and don’t need to include ”religious ceremonies” to be just as effective.
actually yoga CANNOT be done by a jew in any way in any kosher way. you educate YOURSELF. thank you
This is simply not true. Anyone who has done a modicum of research into the topic — beyond reading Shea Hecht’s insecure ramblings — already knows it’s that. It originated in clinical research that included trials that tested the benefit and safety of connected mouth breathing as a physiological exercise and found it to be both safe and efficacious. The fact that it comes from eastern religions is a lie that was cut from whole cloth and has been repeated and propagated so far people have started believing it. Make something up out of thin air, repeat it ad nauseam… Read more »
yeaaaaa it did! the eastern religions all do that crappy worthless breathwork and thats EXACTLY where these stupid new age people got it from!
what needs to be said!
Well done AGAIN R’ Hecht.
It is very sad to watch our community take one goyish fad after another, in the name of “healing” and “growth”.
These methods (and even much of the more “scientific” therapies) are often somewhere between nonsense, ineffective and even unfortunately harmful. Both to our “mental health, and how much more so our spiritual health.
Thank you for saying what must be said AGAIN.
When one runs an organization that is quiet for a long time, and suddenly rocks up to steer people away from another organization that are actively doing things to help people, ( something he should be working on..) is this really about caring for the people. Or a group of disturbed community members trying to control the community all for their own personal gain.?
We love you rabbi standing up for what’s right and doing the rebbes work
Rabbi Shea Hecht you got it right! Thanks for not be afraid of talking the truth!
I feel the same about dentists…
how about therapists?
you never end your healing journey with them…
What is it about the way we live that has this community falling for these programs over and over?
What steps are community leaders taking to make sure that people aren’t so strung out they feel they need more?
We were sold a boat that all that matters in life is our happiness and well being.
Another top advantage to regular breathwork is the ability to increase your energy levels and boost your immune system. Your immune system contributes greatly to your overall health (including your energy), and the way you breathe has more of an effect on it than we may realize. Practicing breathwork exercises allows our bodies to bring in more oxygen, which fuels the cells that keep us healthy and energized.
According to Vital Heart & Vein, various blood and heart issues are caused by frequent activation of the sympathetic nervous system (the trigger for fight-or-flight mode). Practicing slow, deep breathing exercises helps activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which will help decrease your heart rate and dilate your blood vessels. This helps to reduce your blood pressure, as your body now knows it can relax.
While breathwork can be powerful, I’ve also seen cases where heavy involvement led people away from grounded reality, with outcomes that didn’t appear healthy or constructive in the long run. I totally agree with Rabbi Hecht.
There are serious issue that needs more explanation than just an article. There are often elements of A”Z and more often syncretism.
This really requires a symposium for Breathwork, “Ceremonies,” and other matters that can create problems for us as observant Jews, committed to maintaining our health and wellbeing with hashkofic integrity.
Wow Rabbi Hecht is an incredible writer however there are Jewish sources about how to breath and meditate that have been verified as fully safe and Kosher. Rus Devorah Darcy Wallen founder of Torah Therapeutics is a Lubavitch teacher of Jewish Meditation and Breathwork and a trained Psychotherapist that has healed herself and facilitated the self healing of many of her clients. She has worked for many years on Bais Chana Retreats for single parents and I can verify feeling much more at ease after sessions with her and I did not feel any Dependency on her service nor did… Read more »
I like what you said, I think it’s gone out of hand
I’m just curious would you say this applies to other forms of therapy (all or some) or just breath work? And what would be the difference.
Thanks
How many people in our community are paying hundreds of dollars weekly to see “recognized trained therapists”, and no real change?
Where’s the outrage against “those” therapists?
Because they paid more for school, they get a pass even when things don’t get better?
I don’t know too much about breathwork, but I do know people that were helped by it, and people that weren’t. The same can be said for yene machle treatment etc.
So perhaps, like someone else mentioned, a symposium with knowledgeable individuals on both sides of the argument would be more valuable than just blanket “bashing”.
Real change comes from internal hard work
Rabbi Shea Hecht has been dealing with cults for years and knows more about this stuff than all of you combined. This is coming from an immense wealth of knowledge he has amassed over the years. Take a second to think before you comment against his opinions on this……
your comment sounds pretty closed-minded, patronizing and cultish in and of itself
I have observed that the two l rebuttals in the comments are almost word for word as the rebuild were for cots and are for Ayahuasca…
what is your email address
this is just the same concept as iowaska jewish retreats and others get your self together chevreh nothing comes easy in life no shortcuts “We already have what we need: mashpiim, farbrengens, and a real community built on ahavas yisroel and emunah.” therapist therapy ect.
we are leaders not sheep our forefathers led not to be lead
Lot of money wasted on therapists too
Shouldn’t cost that much money and time to learn how to breathe. Im sure many standard therapists in the medical field can help with that.
The Neshamos Wellness Center offers breathwork approved by Chabad Rabbanim.
Who are the Rabbanim,
Where is their statement,
and once and for all, can community leaders and rabbanim take the time to clarify the details and nuances of the many new healing modalities (that may be classified as alternative) that have become increasing popluar ..?
class that teaches people how to deprogram. can you post a video online of all the ways people can deprogram.
tell us all the ways people can heal from past trauma of being affected by the new age movements, eastern religions, and related things.
how do we heal from the damage that going through the public school system did to us and our souls.
Neshamos.org is an organization based in Crown Heights that hosts group breathwork sessions.
The organization is under the auspices of the Crown Heights Beis Din, and every facilitator who hosts sessions for the organization has been individually vetted and is approved by the Crown Heights Beis Din to facilitate breathwork sessions under their auspices.
Whenever something comes up that promotes healing , the cult word comes up to destroy others from healing.
Can you come up with another word besides “cult”?
Since when did breathing become cultish?
Trying to Breathe in Brooklyn
To those that mock, you don’t know what Rabbi Hecht knows. When he waves the red flag, take heed! The truest sign that someone is going the wrong way is when they cease to be open to hearing another view.
Wishing everyone hatzlacha finding true healing which comes from being a Yid that’s תמיד תהיו עם ה אלקיכם
Moshiach Now!
This is a dangerous gateway for our community to going completely off the derech! It must be stoped immediately!
the question i think rabbi shea was referring to . is the retreats they make .. and the issue which is not articulated in the article. is that breathwork can take you to a deeper conscience. and there at that stage a person becomes vulnerable to different influence. and they can be dangerous . as we have see n with ” the call of the shofar” without proper guidance people at that below conscience level can be ” programmed” in many bad ways which can be cult like etc etc and then they wake up believing these things … we… Read more »
They offer breathe work. Is that Dr. Rosen take on mental health? Has this method been proven to be better then others? Why do community funded orgs lean into it?
Rabbi Shea Hecht has been dealing with cults for decades. He knows more about cults than all of you combined. So maybe take a moment to think before you comment against his opinion.
Healing is as complex as the human soul itself, and anyone trying to oversimplify this conversation with blanket statements is missing the point. I’ve explored retreats, breathwork, and psychedelics, but I did so cautiously, gradually, and under the intense guidance of people I trust. I went in because of deep mental health struggles, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without those experiences. However, I’m equally frustrated by both sides of this debate. The fierce supporters are wrong to ignore the risks. These spaces can easily become rabbit holes or “fake love” bubbles used to escape the actual work.… Read more »
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Our thoughts are free
But seeing a therapist who can help sort out our negative thoughts and emotions costs money.
Your logic is illogical. Sometimes a professional is needed to coach and guide us with our mental health
With all the due respect, this is a bunch of baloney.
Most articles that get things wrong have some validity to them and just get cofused or misrepresent some points etc.
This article does not make a single valid point, it is all his personal hergeishim and insecurities misrepresented as information.
If you know information, it is your responsibility to clearly explain it. This article is very general: don’t join a breathing cult.
If you know information about it’s sources, don’t just say Eastern religions. You need to be specific. Don’t just say i have experience. That only makes the people who know your credibility listen. For a random reader, your article sounds fearful and hiding things.
What is wrong with breathing. Be specific.
Can the author please share which spiritual tools are in his kit?
There are many answers from the Rebbe on how mental and emotional wellness are from the paths of torah. And seeing a therapist etc. When needed, is exactly like seeing a doctor.
What about all the other avida zara happening in frum circles
A voice of reason.
Most important line in this article:
“Challenge is not a flaw in our way of life, it’s actually the point”
This, this and this.
Please use spell check in 2026
Iowaska!
For all those commenting. Stop using chatgpt
Devorim hayotzim min halev, nichnosim el halev.
“When your only tool is a hammer, you tend to see everything as a nail” – Maslow. I’ll agree that Rabbi Shea did an amazing job with cults and he does have a lot of experience in the field. I’ll also agree that there may be some crossover – cults promised relief from traumas etc just using a different language etc.. Nevertheless, that doesn’t necessarily mean the same applies to breathwork. I have used online tutorials etc and it has helped me a lot. I haven’t paid anything, and am not dependent on it. It did it’s job and is… Read more »
The question comes up as to why our community seems so drawn to gimmicks and quick fixes rather than accepting that struggle is part of life. In order to know if Chabad or Crown Heights has more people seeking this approach than other communities, someone would have to do a study which wouldn’t be quick and easy. In Crown Heights, the Neshamos organization is out in the open but may be hidden in places like Lakewood and Kiryas Yoel. Then there’s the question whether Jews in general have more intergenerational trauma than the rest of the world….
Chabad attracts a large BT base, people who are already searching and open to change.
However, all the facilitators I know come from frum from birth backgrounds. It’s actually the BTs who I’ve heard obejecting into bringing all this stuff into the community. They’ve been there done that and found Emes in Torah.
He’s come after emdr, therapy, now it’s breathwork
Thank goodness cult-busting is still ok!
We may all need a good breathwork session after reading this article! Lol!
What’s your take on Rov Doniel Katz? I wanted to join his program but scared because it felt not ok. But everyone I know says its a life changing experince. I can’t find a good answer
Thank you Rabbi Shea for having the courage to speak out the truth once again when it comes to these groups. I see you have Chessed in looking to understand that many are looking for a quick fix and others of course taking advantage of this. Appreciation for your wisdom as to what are occults are or those on the fringe. I’m sure they don’t like this especially when it has become a big money maker at the top of these movements. We should listen to someone who has studied occults such as a Rabbi who has for much of… Read more »
Who made him the authority on what’s kosher? And why is this guy obsessed with Jews being in pain and shaming those that are authentically trying to help those in pain?? The Arizal and the Baal Shem Tov taught that when the Jews went into golus, the Birur Nitzotzos (and the light of the Torah) were scattered among the 70 nations.
I made more progress at a retreat than years of doctors prescribing drugs and therapists talking–oops, time is up… see you in a week. EVERYTHING in the retreat was focused on our neshomo being a part of Hashem and understanding that Hashem runs the world.
Specialized breathing techniques are proven to lower blood pressure and reduce the heart rate.
Making such a blanket statement is IN MY OPINION irresponsible.
It’s about time someone said it plainly.
Thanks, Shea.
When I first read this article, I felt an immediate, uncomfortable tightening in my chest. It was a very old and familiar feeling. It is the feeling of being spoken at by teachers or mentors in ways that do not quite make sense to me, even when I can tell that their intention is sincere. The opening line, “Breathing is free. Breathwork isn’t,” felt overly reductive to me. Movement is free. Physical therapy is not. Rest is free. Sleep coaching is not. Attention is free. Meditation classes are not. We do not usually dismiss structured support simply because it costs… Read more »
Do you not understand that breathwork is not the same as breathing, and even though we all know how to breathe, breathwork can still be an intense experience?
I was recently invited to a breathwork ceremony that would be by donation only. It was also a potluck, with the facilitators providing a big pot of soup. Are they going to charge me huge piles of money after I’m already addicted? Or are they possibly genuinely nice people who just want to share and make a few bucks?
All of these breathwork sessions and retreats are very enticing…I watched a video of one such “session” and was shocked…the leader of the breathwork session had a few statues of buddha and others in the room and the frum attendees did not seem to realize. Laying there and breathing, and when they started laying their heads on others’ stomachs to feel the breathing it really felt off and a bit too close for comfort. The vibes I got after seeing this were right in line with what Rabbi Hecht warns about. It’s one thing to learn how to breathe deeply… Read more »
…which debunk what Rabbi Shea Hecht espouses.
Beautiful to see the humane intelligent comments!
the pro-breathwork comments
Want to make a lot of money off vulnerable people so yeah they are upset
In Judaism, the idea of the “breath of life” is very simple and very deep at the same time. In Bereishit, Hashem creates Adam and breathes into him the nishmat chayim. That breath isn’t just about keeping the body alive. It’s something divine, something that comes directly from Hashem. That’s why the words neshama (soul) and neshima (breathing) are connected. Breath is where the soul and the body meet. Coming back to the breath is really about coming back to yourself. In Judaism, teshuva doesn’t mean becoming a different person — it means returning to who you already are at… Read more »
Did some research on the subject. Many religions and faith based org. have programs that associate with systems of breathing. I am surprised how so many who haven’t a clue about this have so many opinons.
And indeed many are lured into these religious practices by simply looking for some therapy. the cults are very subtle and misleading. Listen to what he says, and keep your foolish comments to yourselves.
I think everyone is entitled to his own opinion if he doesn’t want to do breathwork but I don’t think it’s appropriate to make such broad sweeping ignorant statements when he is obviously not aware of the actual practices and decades of research and experience practitioners and space-holders have to do to be so spacious and have such capacity and such a nuanced/subtle craft. Ruach = spirit Neshima= soul/breath Hashem BLEW our soul into us Breath work opens the door to a stable anchor that is a constant in order for us to not get stuck in expansion/inhalation (acquisition/ consumption)… Read more »
Hello everyone. I wanted to respond to this article and give some context. My name is Yom Tov Massre. I live in Lakewood, NJ. I learn, I have my rabbeim, and I discuss issues with them. I am a “black hat,” learned in BMG, was a Gemara tutor, and worked with boys on both ends of the spectrum from ADHD to those going OTD. Learning is my lifeline, and I love Hashem. Alongside that, I am a Breathwork facilitator and Life Coach/Business Coach in NJ. Rabbi Hecht touched on some real concerns, and I agree with part of what he… Read more »