When people think of mental health, they often picture therapy sessions, doctors, and medications. But there’s another side to mental health—one that’s woven into everyday life.
This is where Maagalei Nefesh comes in, an organization working to support mental health not only through professionals but also within communities. And, in the heart of Jewish communities, rabbis play a key role.
The Role of Rabbis in Mental Health
Rabbis serve as more than just religious leaders. They’re trusted figures who people turn to for advice on personal struggles, including mental health. They foster resilience within their communities and help individuals feel connected. Rabbi Yoni Rosensweig, one of the most vocal advocates for integrating mental health into community life, has said, “A rabbi isn't just there to answer halachic questions. They’re a figure of support, a person who can make you feel seen and heard. And sometimes, that's the most important part of helping someone through a mental health challenge.”
This is where rabbis can have a huge impact. They have the ability to normalize mental health struggles and remove the stigma that surrounds them. When someone feels seen and understood by their rabbi, it can change everything. The goal, as Rabbi Rosensweig and Maagalei Nefesh emphasize, isn’t just to keep sending people in and out of treatment—it’s about helping them maintain balance in their lives. A supportive rabbi can be one of the most powerful tools for someone facing mental health challenges.
The Challenges Rabbis Face
Of course, this isn’t without challenges. While many rabbis are compassionate and well-meaning, not all of them are equipped to deal with mental health issues. Rabbi Rosensweig, who has been working in this space for years, often points out, “A rabbi can mean well, but without proper mental health education, they might unintentionally cause harm.”
There’s also the challenge of boundaries. People often come to rabbis seeking advice on whether to seek therapy, or asking detailed questions about treatment. But rabbis aren’t therapists. They need to know when to offer spiritual support and when to refer someone to a professional. This delicate balance is one of the main areas Maagalei Nefesh focuses on—helping rabbis understand their role in mental health without overstepping.
Another frequent issue is balancing religious obligations with mental health concerns. For example, a common question rabbis face is whether someone with a mental health condition should fast on Yom Kippur. Rabbi Rosensweig shares the story of a woman with complex PTSD and dissociative identity disorder who asked whether she should fast or whether she could do art therapy on Yom Kippur to maintain her stability. These are difficult situations where rabbis need to weigh halachic obligations against the very real mental health needs of their congregants.
Maagalei Nefesh’s Work in Supporting Rabbis
Maagalei Nefesh works to bridge these gaps. Over the past few years, they have developed programs to train rabbis on mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The goal is to equip rabbis with the knowledge they need to provide not just halachic answers, but also emotional and spiritual support. As Rabbi Rosensweig puts it, “A rabbi doesn’t need to have all the answers, but they do need to know where to find them.”
One key aspect of Maagalei Nefesh’s approach is fostering collaboration between rabbis and mental health professionals. By working together, they can offer comprehensive support to individuals within the community. This teamwork is essential because it allows people to benefit from both spiritual guidance and professional mental health care. It’s a holistic approach, where the emotional and spiritual well-being of the individual is taken into account alongside their mental health.
Normalizing Mental Health in Jewish Communities
Perhaps the most important work Maagalei Nefesh does is helping to normalize mental health challenges within Jewish communities. People facing trauma or mental health struggles should not feel like outsiders. Small accommodations can make a world of difference in someone’s life. Rabbi Rosensweig often points out how giving someone permission to use their phone on Shabbat to help regulate their emotions can prevent a crisis or even hospitalization. These small adjustments make it clear that mental health issues are not something to be ashamed of, and that there is space for everyone in the community.
In the lead-up to the High Holidays, for example, people flood rabbis like Rabbi Rosensweig with questions—not just about halacha, but about how to manage their mental health through the spiritual intensity of the season. As he says, “Before Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, I get hundreds of messages from people asking halachic questions, but often what they’re really asking for is hope. They want to know that they’re welcome in the community, even with their challenges.”
This sense of belonging is critical. For someone struggling with mental health, knowing they’re not alone and that their community understands can provide hope when it’s needed most.
Expanding Maagalei Nefesh’s Reach
Maagalei Nefesh has already made incredible strides. Their training programs for rabbis have reached communities in Australia, the UK, and the U.S. But they’re still relatively new, and progress has been slower in certain regions, particularly in the U.S. Yet there is clear interest from both communities and donors, and plans are in place to expand further. In fact, multiple trips to the U.S. are scheduled this year, with the goal of building relationships and expanding their presence in key Jewish communities.
The organization’s work is not just about trauma; it’s about addressing the full spectrum of mental health issues that affect Jewish life. As Maagalei Nefesh continues to grow, their impact will only deepen, helping more rabbis and communities create environments where mental health is acknowledged and supported.
A New Vision for Mental Health in Jewish Life
In the end, Maagalei Nefesh is creating a shift in how mental health is addressed within Jewish communities. By giving rabbis the tools to better understand and respond to mental health issues, they’re fostering an environment where everyone can feel seen, supported, and loved.
This isn’t just about providing halachic guidance or practical advice—it’s about building communities where mental health challenges are understood, and where individuals are embraced no matter what they’re going through.
Rabbi Rosensweig’s message is clear: “A rabbi’s role is to remind people that no matter what they’re going through, there’s always a path forward. They’re not alone.” That, in essence, is what Maagalei Nefesh stands for—ensuring that no one has to walk their mental health journey in isolation.
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