Understanding Chronic Illness in the Jewish Community

Hello and welcome to our dedicated space for discussing and addressing chronic illness within the Jewish community. Our site features a diverse range of professionals, therapists, and content focused on supporting individuals and families affected by chronic health conditions in the Jewish community.

Unique Challenges of Chronic Illness in the Jewish Community

When individuals within the Jewish community are diagnosed with a chronic illness, they face a specific set of challenges that are often shaped by distinct cultural and religious factors. The journey through diagnosis, treatment, and management may be influenced by the community's traditions, beliefs, and practices. Chronic illness can manifest in various ways, just like in the general population, and it can have a profound impact on people's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

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

Professionals Who Specialize in Chronic illness

Pesach Tikvah

Achieving Peace of Mind

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York
  • I accept insurance

Pesach Tikvah offers culturally sensitive mental health care, addiction support, therapy, developmental disability services, and holistic community programs.


" Pesach Tikvah provides an extensive array of programs and services designed to support individuals across the lifespan, ensuring that no one feels left behind. Each offering reflects the organization’s mission to address the diverse needs of the community โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Solution-oriented
  • ๐Ÿ™ Spiritual
  • ๐Ÿค Collaborative

Nava Fox

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Lawrence, New York
  • $225 - $250 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

I wholeheartedly believe that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, privilege, or genetics, can benefit from support and therapy.


" Through my extensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy, I have developed a profound understanding of its principles and techniques. I have found this approach to be incredibly beneficial for my clients, who often find it helpful in creating โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Empowering
  • ๐ŸŽจ Creative

Frayde Yudkowsky

Therapist, LSW, LMSW, CTP

  • In-office Lakewood, New Jersey
  • $225 - $225 Per Session

Frayde Yudkowsky, LMSW helps her clients heal physically, spiritually, and emotionally from the grip of shame and suffering and embrace themselves.


" Inclusive, Evidence-Based Healing for Systems, LGBTQIAPD+ Folks & Complex Trauma Survivors Real tools. Deep attunement. No one-size-fits-all. At THRIVE! Mental Health, our approach is trauma-informed, intersectional, and radically client-centered. We honor the whole youโ€”your identities, your parts, your โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Solution-oriented
  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Empowering
  • ๐ŸŽจ Creative

Fraidy Shagalov, LCSW

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • Remote only
  • $200 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Fraidy Shagalov, LCSW believes therapy should be as dynamic as the people it serves, so she uses an intuitive approach to connect with clients on a deeper level.


" My approach to therapy is rooted in a calm and relaxed demeanor, creating a space where clients feel genuinely at ease sharing their experiences. I strive to maintain a balance between being casual and professional, which helps foster โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ‘‚ Listener
  • ๐Ÿง˜ Calm
  • ๐Ÿค Collaborative

Simcha Freedman, M.S.Ed., SEP

SomaticExperiencingยฎ Practitioner(SEP)

  • In-office Lakewood, New Jersey
  • $150 - $200 Per Session

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

Sarit Shaer

Healer & Life Coach

  • In-office Israel
  • $400 Per Session

Sarit Shaer's methodology encompasses the recognition that the origins of many physical ailments and challenges lie in emotional and psychological factors.


" I embrace the principles of the Dr. Sarno method, which resonates deeply with my approach to guiding individuals towards holistic well-being. Central to this methodology is the recognition that the origins of many physical ailments and challenges lie โ€ฆ

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Direct
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Solution-oriented
  • ๐Ÿ’ญ Open minded
  • ๐ŸŒŽ Holistic

Rachel Israel Heiser

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • Remote only
  • $100 - $150 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

My aim is to help you develop and integrate coping skills and strategies that are unique to your situation, empowering you to improve your overall quality of life.


" In my practice, I embrace a person-centered and collaborative approach to therapy. It is important for me to deeply understand your reasons for seeking therapy, what methods have been helpful to you in the past, the obstacles you โ€ฆ

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

Raina Balsam

Coach

  • Remote only
  • $147 - $247 Per Session

Raina Balsam is a mindset coach who empowers her clients as they uncover their untapped potential & break through self-imposed limitations that have held them back.


" The key to unlocking your true potential lies within you. It requires the commitment to invest your time and resources in prioritizing and creating it... What do you really want? We invest in things that matter to us, โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Solution-oriented
  • ๐Ÿ’ญ Open minded
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Energetic

Laura Schneebaum, LMHC-D

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

  • In-office Manhattan, New York
  • $300 Per Session

Laura Schneebaum, LMHC, is a trauma-informed therapist who helps clients navigate identity, intergenerational trauma, life transitions, & more.


" I take a trauma-informed, client-centered, and strengths-based approach to working with each individual. I place great importance on understanding a clientโ€™s identity, culture, context, and environment to create a personalized approach that truly fits their unique experience. I โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ˜ƒ Humorous
  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Empowering
  • ๐Ÿค Collaborative

Marnie Kean, LCSW

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • Remote only
  • $175 - $225 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Marnie Kean, LCSW, uses CBT, mindfulness, and Jewish values to support seniors, adults, and disabled clients in building coping skills and perspective.


" At The Practice with CARE, LLC, I bring Compassion, Advocacy, Reflection, and Emotional wellness to the forefront of my work. These core values guide the support I offer, helping clients develop coping skills that align with their individual โ€ฆ

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

Brigid Judge

Certified Yoga & Pilates Fitness Coach

  • $85 - $150 Per Session

Brigid Judge offers yoga and pilates sessions in person and on Zoom, helping clients build strength, flexibility, and calm through personalized mindful movement.


" I have the privilege of working with over 200 students every week, in many different settings. Some join me in the studio, others in corporate offices, private homes, or on Zoom. Each person walks in carrying something uniqueโ€”past โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ˜ƒ Humorous
  • ๐Ÿ’ช Challenging
  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Empowering
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Energetic

Menachem Bernfeld, Ms.Ed. CLC

Ms.Ed. CLC

  • In-office Lakewood, New Jersey
  • $150 - $200 Per Session

Menachem Bernfeld Ms.Ed. utilizes mindfulness & meditation, emotional regulation, & neuro-linguistic programming as tools to help clients achieve balance & success.


" I utilize mindfulness and meditation, emotional regulation, and neuro-linguistic programming as my primary techniques to help individuals achieve balance and success in their lives. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a field of study that explores the relationship between language, โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Energetic
  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Empowering
  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿง˜ Calm

Understanding and Addressing Chronic Illness within the Jewish Community

Chronic illness is a significant health concern that affects individuals across various communities, including the Jewish community. While the broader societal understanding of chronic illness exists, the intricacies of religious practices, community dynamics, and cultural factors within the Jewish community add layers of complexity. Chronic illness within the Jewish community can affect individuals regardless of age, gender, or background, highlighting the need for support and targeted interventions.

Strategies for Addressing Chronic Illness in the Jewish Community

Effective support and management for Jewish individuals facing chronic illness necessitate approaches that are culturally and religiously attuned. This encompasses medical care that respects religious beliefs and cultural practices, community support networks that provide a sense of belonging and understanding, and accessible resources for navigating the challenges of chronic illness. Tailored interventions and support programs are developed to address the specific facets of chronic illness within the Jewish community. It's crucial to seek professional guidance to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring a path towards optimal health and well-being. 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 Chronic illness within the Jewish community.

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