Understanding Grief and Bereavement in the Jewish Community

Hello and welcome to our dedicated space for discussing and addressing grief and bereavement within the Jewish community. Our site features a diverse range of professionals, therapists, and content focused on supporting individuals and families navigating loss and mourning in the Jewish community.

Unique Challenges of Grief and Bereavement in the Jewish Community

When individuals within the Jewish community experience the loss of a loved one, they face a specific set of challenges that are often shaped by distinct cultural and religious factors. The grieving process, mourning rituals, and coping mechanisms may be influenced by the community's traditions, beliefs, and practices. Grief and bereavement can manifest in various ways, just like in the general population, and they can deeply impact people's emotional, spiritual, and social well-being.

Watch the videos below to gain insights from Jewish professionals, therapists, and advocates. These resources offer extensive knowledge on addressing grief and bereavement within the Jewish community, providing expert guidance and culturally sensitive techniques.

Unlocking the Unconscious: The Transformative Power of Sand Tray Therapy for Children and Adults

In a world where traditional talk therapy can sometimes feel limiting, sand tray therapy emerges as a dynamic and creative alternative. Picture this: a miniature landscape filled with vibrant figures,โ€ฆ

Full Article

Dependency in Therapy

Dependency in Therapy by Shayna Shafier, MHC-LP, Mental Health Counselor, Limited Permit

Am I too dependent on my therapist?         This is a question that many people in therapy find themselves asking. Especially people with a history of attachment woundingโ€ฆ

Full Article

1-1 Breakthrough Session

1-1 Breakthrough Session by Raina Balsam, Coach

You will be cleansed, healed, and blown away from your new insight after our session. Access a deeper level of yourself to reach incredulous joy and a satisfyingly soothing, rich,โ€ฆ

Full Article

Life lessons from the Dreidle

When we think of Chanukah, of course one thing that comes to mind is a Dreidel! As a kid, I used to just spin, hope for a Gimmel, and haveโ€ฆ

Full Article

Professionals Who Specialize in Bereavement & Grief

Anna Sherman, MFT

Therapist, Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RP, MA

  • In-office Toronto, Canada

Anna Sherman, MFT helps clients to overcome trauma, work through fears and emotional blocks in their lives, and empower them to help them help themselves.


" I guide clients on their journey of healing and overcoming trauma, while also helping them navigate fears and emotional blocks within their lives and relationships. My goal is to empower clients to become their own advocates, providing them โ€ฆ

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Direct
  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ˜ƒ Humorous
  • ๐Ÿ‘‚ Listener

Danielle Taylor, LMHC

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • Remote only

Danielle Taylor, LMHC, incorporates CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic therapy. For couples, she specializes in the Gottman Method & more to fortify relationship dynamics.


" I prioritize a holistic perspective on wellness, recognizing that true well-being encompasses a delicate balance of physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational dimensions. I understand that each individual's journey toward wellness is unique, and I tailor my approach to โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Solution-oriented
  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Empowering
  • ๐Ÿค Collaborative

Mordy Lyss, LCMFT, CHT

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist

  • Remote only

Yisroel (Mordy) Lyss, LMFT adopts a flexible & integrative approach drawing from client-centered, psychodynamic, relational, CBT, EMDR, and mindfulness modalities.


" In alignment with Irvin Yalom's insight, I believe that therapy should prioritize the therapeutic relationship above theoretical frameworks. Understanding that each individual's journey is inherently unique, I adopt a flexible and integrative approach to therapy. Drawing from client-centered, โ€ฆ

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Direct
  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ˜ƒ Humorous
  • ๐Ÿ‘‚ Listener

Rachel Brezel

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

My area of expertise lies in treating anxiety, depression, OCD (including the most severe cases), emotional regulation, and relationship challenges.


" I strive to create a therapeutic space that is both welcoming and authentic, where my clients can feel seen, heard, and understood. At the same time, I recognize that therapy is not meant to be an open-ended process, โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Empowering
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Direct
  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Solution-oriented

Leah Roman, MSW

Therapist, Somatic Practitioner

  • In-office Israel

Leah Roman, MSW, uses a holistic approach integrating mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and other body-oriented techniques to help her clients heal.


" My therapeutic approach is centered around honoring the wisdom housed within our bodies. I firmly believe that our physical selves are repositories of profound insights and experiences. By attentively listening to the language of sensations and the narratives โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ‘‚ Listener
  • ๐Ÿ™Œ Affirming
  • ๐ŸŒŽ Holistic

Dena Leibowitz, MS LCADC

Therapist, Psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor

  • Remote only

Dena Leibowitz, LCADC, blends hypnotherapy, parts work, CBT, and Torah wisdom to support anxiety, depression, addiction, relationships, and life transitions.


" In individual sessions with me, you can expect a soulful and collaborative experience. I guide with curiosity and care, gently exploring meaningful concepts that help uncover deeper truths and open space for healing. My approach integrates a range โ€ฆ

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Direct
  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ’ช Challenging
  • ๐Ÿ‘‚ Listener

Simcha Freedman, M.S.Ed., SEP

SomaticExperiencingยฎ Practitioner(SEP)

  • In-office Lakewood, New Jersey

Simcha Freedman is a life coach whose approach centers around the vital connection between the mind and body and the use of Somatic Experiencing methods.


" As a Life Coach, my approach centers on the vital connection between the mind and body, employing Somatic Experiencing methods. Somatic Experiencing is a tool designed to alleviate anxiety, stress, and trauma. This approach empowers me to address โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ‘‚ Listener
  • ๐ŸŽจ Creative
  • ๐Ÿง˜ Calm

Sara Blank, LMSW

Therapist, Licensed Master Social Work: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

Sara Blank, LMSW, works from an attachment-focused lens, IFS, and uses trauma-informed practices to ensure that the therapy process feels safe and empowering.


" I see therapy as a deeply collaborative processโ€”a partnership where your voice, experiences, and goals take center stage. I aim to create a safe, compassionate space where you feel heard, understood, and supported as you navigate your unique โ€ฆ

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Direct
  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ’ช Challenging
  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Empowering

Shaindy Litchfield, LMSW

Therapist, Licensed Master Social Work: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Borough Park, New York

Shaindy Litchfield, LMSW, draws from evidence-based techniques & approaches to help her clients build resilience & move toward a more fulfilling & balanced life.


" My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy and collaboration, guided by the belief that lasting change happens when you feel fully supported and actively involved in your own healing journey. I view therapy as a partnershipโ€”one where โ€ฆ

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Direct
  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Solution-oriented
  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Empowering

Eli Goldberg

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, CASAC

  • In-office Jerusalem, Israel

I draw from various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, somatic, and psychodynamic to tailor my approach to each client's unique needs.


" My approach to therapy is based on creating a safe and welcoming space for clients to explore their inner selves and find solutions to their challenges. I draw from various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, somatic, and โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿง˜ Calm
  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ˜ƒ Humorous
  • ๐Ÿ™ Spiritual

Dr. Chaya Rubin

Therapist, Ph.D.

  • In-office New York

Dr. Chaya Rubin works with clients that appreciate that lasting change is indeed possible, and more accessible than they might have imagined.


" The kind of psychotherapy that I practice involves careful and close listening to the difficulties that manifest themselves in a personโ€™s life, and how those difficulties tend to repeat or consistently present in a variety of contexts. I โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ‘‚ Listener
  • ๐Ÿ’ญ Open minded

Nahum Spirn

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • In-office Far Rockaway, New York

Nahum Spirn, LMHC seamlessly integrates various techniques within a single session, adapting to the dynamic nature of his clients' emotions and evolving needs.


" I have an eclectic approach to therapy; every client is unique and gets treated in a unique way. One client may benefit most from exploring how they think about things, another from trying new ways of doing things โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ™Œ Affirming
  • ๐Ÿฃ Out of the box
  • ๐Ÿค Collaborative

Understanding and Addressing Grief and Bereavement within the Jewish Community

Grief and bereavement are universal experiences that affect individuals across various communities, including the Jewish community. While the broader societal understanding of grief exists, the intricacies of relationships, religious practices, and dynamics within the Jewish community add layers of complexity. Grief and bereavement within the Jewish community can affect individuals regardless of age, gender, or background, highlighting the need for support and targeted interventions.

Strategies for Addressing Grief and Bereavement in the Jewish Community

Effective support and healing for Jewish individuals experiencing grief and bereavement necessitate approaches that are culturally and religiously attuned. This encompasses counseling that respects religious beliefs and cultural practices, community support networks that provide a sense of belonging and understanding, and accessible resources for navigating the mourning process. Tailored therapies and interventions are developed to address the specific facets of grief and bereavement within the Jewish community. It's crucial to seek professional guidance to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring a path towards healing and resilience. It's important to note that our professionals are experts in their fields, bringing both specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of cultural nuances to their work

Our directory features professionals, including Therapists, Psychiatrists & Coaches, who offer culturally sensitive support for those navigating Bereavement & Grief within the Jewish community.

Professional Member Sign In

Not a professional member yet? Get listed!