Hypnotism

Answer

The issue of hypnotism touches on the concept of free choice and responsibility. Human beings were given free choice in order that whatever we achieve in life should be our own. We are faced with choices every day. Although we are swayed by outside influences, ultimately each one of us chooses whether to act morally or otherwise. We are thus responsible for our actions.

When in a hypnotic state, one relinquishes one's free choice to some extent, and places it in the hands of another person. I am not in control of what I do in a trance, but it is up to me whether I allow myself to be put in a trance in the first place. So the question is: can I willingly give up my self-control?

The answer would depend on two things: 1) Who is performing the hypnosis, and 2) for what reason.

One of the greatest authorities of contemporary Jewish law, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, ruled that hypnosis for therapeutic reasons is perfectly permissable, as long as the hypnotist can be trusted not to cause their patient to transgress any Torah laws (such as eating non-Kosher food, stealing or slandering). However one would not be allowed to undergo hypnosis for purely entertainment purposes or just for fun. And even for medical purposes it would be forbidden if the hypnotist can not be trusted to respect the subject's responsibility to act morally at all times.

Our freedom to choose is a precious gift, and every moment of our lives is a never-to-be-repeated opportunity to utilise that gift to reach our highest potential.

All the best,