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negative manner, albeit solely imaginatively, with the object of avoid-
ing practical action (acting out)? For example, when I find someone
greatly troubling, am I allowed – in my imagination – to strike him
and do whatever I want to him, thereby releasing myself from that
deposit or does the [Torah’s] admonition “Don’t hate your brother in
your heart” (Vayikra 19:17) forbid me from doing so?

It should be noted that we are speaking about emotions that any-
way exist within the patient. He vainly tries to push these emotions
aside altogether, occasionally becoming partially conscious of them
despite his attempts to banish them. The therapist is therefore not
introducing any negative feelings into the patient but is only helping
him to become aware of feelings that he already has in order to treat
them through short-term imaginary exercises which are usually a
matter of a few short minutes. Moreover, the effect of this release
from emotional residues is not just momentary but causes a drop in
the general level of frustration and aggression.

The most serious question in regard to this method seems to be the
degree to which a child is allowed to employ it towards his parents,
owing to the seriousness of the [Torah’s] commandments involving
honoring parents. It should again be pointed out that the child’s res-
idues of frustration and aggression have in large part been caused by
his parents’ conduct, which usually includes excessive aggression. In
addition, we encounter many cases in which children are incapable of
observing the basic principles of honoring parents because of their
internal emotional pressure.

Should we conclude that freeing oneself from these residual
emotions towards parents in this way is forbidden, might achieving
release in an indirect manner be permitted? For example, by telling
someone else about the grudge he holds in his heart and about all the
parents’ deficiencies – and all this, whether in practice or in imagina-
tion, despite the fact that these forms of treatment are likely to be less
efficient?

I would also point out that unacknowledged anger leads to hatred
and growing estrangement among family members. This destructive
phenomenon is extremely frequent, leading to frustration for the in-

178 1 Medical-Halachic Responsa of Rav Zilberstein