Out of the Shadows: A Jewish Approach to Mental Health

Welcome back to another episode of Out of the Shadows - After a long break, we're thrilled to return with a compelling and timely discussion on the topic of change—an essential aspect of mental health, especially within the Jewish community. Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Moshe Yachnes delve into this subject with Dr Tepfer who shares his insights on behavioral changes, addiction, and personal growth. 

Dr. Tepfer serves as a supervisor for the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) and is the founding director ofArbor Intensive, IOP program in Brooklyn, NY. 

He has a particular passion for working as part of a treatment team, harnessing the power of integrative healing to restore innate health. Whether you're tuning in during the High Holidays or any other time of year, this episode promises to offer valuable perspectives and practical tools for achieving meaningful and lasting change.

There are problems that affect so many and yet so few talk about them. Which is why R. Efrem Goldberg and Moshe Yachnes bring you OUT OF THE SHADOWS: A Jewish Approach to Mental Health. Rabbi Goldberg and Moshe speak to leaders in the field and discuss contemporary challenges to help us better understand mental health and those who are struggling with it. 

This month’s topic: Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. 

On this episode we are joined by: Jacob L. Freedman, MD (https://drjacoblfreedman.com), a board-certified psychiatrist practicing medicine in both The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and The State of Israel where he maintains a private practice in Jerusalem 

And Ari D, a humble individual who shares his story of significant traumas, the consequences of those traumas that he lived with, and his ongoing journey of healing and self discovery. Throughout his journey Ari has experienced many different modalities of therapy and psychedelic therapy and its tools has positively impacted his mental health. There are sensitive parts to his story and if anyone is interested to learn more, Ari is available to share with those who are seeking healing of their own. We hope you find this episode meaningful and helpful. And be sure to check out the show notes for further resources. 

Devora Shabtai,LCSW PhD-C. VP of Clinical Programming @ Onward Living and clinical content architect.  

Resources:

Onward Living
www.onwardliving.org
[email protected]

SIMHA
https://simhahealth.org/
[email protected]

Nevonim
https://nevonim.org

Madraigos
https://madraigos.org

24 HOUR SUPPORT LINE
516-371-3250 x106

00:00 - Intro 
4:28 - Dr Jacob Freedman 
36:56 - Ari 
1:14:20 - Outro

Let's Talk About Our Mental Health

In an era filled with increasing anxiety and hopelessness, what can we do as a community to support ourselves and our families? Join Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Dr. Norman Blumenthal for a captivating program as a rabbi and a  therapist share insights and pathways toward a healthier life. Moderated by Rabbi Ya'akov Trump.

There are problems that affect so many and yet so few talk about them, which is why R. Efrem Goldberg and Moshe Yachnes bring you OUT OF THE SHADOWS: A Jewish Approach to Mental Health, hosted by the Boca Raton Synagogue and Onward Living's Adopt Initiative. Rabbi Goldberg and Moshe speak to leaders in the field and discuss contemporary challenges to help us better understand mental health and those who are struggling with it.

This week, we are focusing on OCD.

On this episode we are joined by:

• Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Schwartz (Clinical Director for the Center of Anxiety Relief), a practicing psychologist and rabbi of Congregation Adath Israel in Elizabeth, New Jersey
• Mordy Gottlieb, a clinical social worker based in Scottsdale, Arizona who describes his struggles with OCD
• Rebecca Klempner, an inspiring writer who discusses her experiences and how she has managed her OC.

We hope you find this episode meaningful and helpful. And be sure to check out the show notes for further resources.

If you have any thoughts, ideas, or guest suggestions, reach out to us at [email protected].

Resources:

• Onward Living (www.onwardliving.org)
• Relief Resources (https://www.reliefhelp.org/) is an international nonprofit organization that provides mental health guidance, education, and treatment recommendations for individuals
• Amudim (https://amudim.org/) exists to support every individual in need, so that their entire world can benefit, change, and grow.

Contact Dr. Yachnes at [email protected] and check out www.onwardliving.org.

Reach out to us at [email protected].

00:00 - Intro
5:03 - Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Schwartz
47:36 - Mordy Gottlieb
1:19:50 - Rebecca Klempner
1:45:46 - Outro

The conversation with Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox discusses the tragic death of a child in the community, and how to cope with the emotional trauma associated with it. 

The conversation begins with an acknowledgement of the grief, questions, doubts, and uncertainty that the community is experiencing. 

Thanks to Chai Lifeline, a support service that provides support, love, wisdom, and direction for families dealing with trauma. 

The conversation discusses the role of self-awareness and self-expression in dealing with grief and trauma, emphasizing the importance of taking time to observe one's reactions, physical changes, and emotions, and then expressing them to someone who cares and can listen supportively. 

The conversation ends with a focus on helping children cope with trauma and providing tools for self-care.