A Jewish Approach to Mental Health  

Exploring Mental Health Issues through Jewish Wisdom, Spirit, and Community  

Mental health is a cornerstone for wellbeing – for individuals, for families, and for the community at large.  Mental health is not only a medical issue but also a spiritual one.  Jewish tradition teaches that caring for one’s mind is part of caring for one’s soul.  And caring for others and their mental health is a mitzvah. 

Join us for thoughtful exploration of mental health issues through a Jewish lens.  Together we will unpack how Jewish tradition understands emotional wellbeing – from biblical struggles with despair to contemporary approaches rooted in spirituality and community.  Hear from rabbis, mental health professionals, and community members as we discuss how Jewish wisdom can support emotional wellbeing.  Multiple sessions are planned to allow a deeper dive into knowledge and healing.  Participants may choose to attend all or some of these sessions. 

SESSION #1 – Insights: What Judaism Teaches Us About Mental Wellness and Health 

On zoom with Rabbi Sarah Krinsky & Ali Weisbrott, LICSW 
January 23, 2026, 11:00am – 12:00pm 

Our Jewish traditions and values emphasize healing both physical and mental health.  Where in the Torah do we find examples of this?  What are our Jewish teachings about promoting mental health?  How do Jewish values advance the healing process?   

We will explore the connection between intergenerational trauma and mental health through a Jewish lens while weaving together lived experience, clinical insight and Jewish tradition. We will connect and gain a deeper understanding of how the trauma that is carried across generations may inform our current experiences as modern day Jews. We will explore how Jewish values and a deeper understanding of our mental health and wellbeing can support pathways towards awareness, resilience and healing.

SESSION #2 – Erasing the Stigma of Mental Health Issues 

On zoom with Rabbi Anina Dassa & Natalie Merker Rose
February 13, 2026, 11:00am-12:00pm 

How does Judaism help to erase the stigma of mental health issues and to find needed help for yourself and others?  Why do we easily ask for help when we have a medical issue but feel hesitant, scared, or embarrassed when we have an emotional issue?  This session will explore how to find tools to ask questions and find solutions about total wellbeing. 

SESSION #3—Understaning Addiction & Recovery in a Jewish Context 

On zoom with Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt & Josh Fingerhut, LMFT 
February 27, 2026, 11:00am-12:00pm 

With the goal of building communal fluency around addiction and normalize open, stigma-free conversations across different circles, and strengthen connections between Adas programs, we invite you to join us. This session is intended to raise community awareness about addiction and recovery within a Jewish framework, encouraging compassionate dialogue and attempting to remove the stigma. The program aims to offer language and understanding that promote dignity and support. 

SESSION #4 – Hands-On Workshop: The Mitzvah of Caring For Oneself and Others 

In person, with Rabbi Krinsky & Rabbi Yolkut, Adas Israel Congregation 
Sunday, March 8th, 2026, 10:00 am-11:30am - Beit Midrash & Mikveh 

Hesed is focused on the mitzvah of caring for others.  But what about caring for ourselves?   This, too, is an important mitzvah.  Mental health and physical health are connected – our body and mind are a complete package.   This session will be in person and will take a deeper dive into how to seek mental health help from professionals and from ourselves.  

Please register below for each of the sessions you plan to attend.