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

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

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

Joseph Herskovic, PMHNP

Psychiatrist, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • $125 - $300 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Joseph Herskovic, PMHNP-BC , provides personalized medication management and counseling with a focus on evidence-based practices in a culturally sensitive way.


"My approach is holistic, patient-centered, and evidence-based. I believe in meeting each individual where they are, taking the time to understand their unique challenges, and working collaboratively to create realistic, sustainable goals. In therapy, I emphasize building self-awareness, โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Solution-oriented
  • ๐Ÿ™Œ Affirming
  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Empowering
  • ๐Ÿ’ญ Open minded

Simcha Freedman, M.S.Ed., SEP

SomaticExperiencingยฎ Practitioner(SEP)

  • In-office Lakewood, NJ
  • $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

Pesach Tikvah

Achieving Peace of Mind

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • 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

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

Malka Katzenstein

Wellness Coach

  • In-office New York
  • $150 - $250 Per Session

Malka Katzenstein is a Frum Coach, Wellness Coach in New York


"I am a wellness coach. I like to use the word "wellness" rather than "health" because to me that implies overall health- so much more than just physical health. I look at wellness in a holistic way, incorporating โ€ฆ

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

Moshe Hoffman

Mental Health, Life and business Coach

  • In-office London
  • $89 - $135 Per Session

Moses (Moishe) Hoffman is a Certified Wholality coach using polyvagal theory, breathwork, & energy work to help clients heal trauma, reduce stress, & build self-love


"I am a certified, polyvagal-informed Wholality coach and facilitator. In sessions, I support clients in uncovering the true nature of the human experience and exploring, integrating, and releasing the blocks or beliefs that may be holding them back โ€ฆ

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Direct
  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Energetic
  • ๐Ÿ™ Spiritual

Shibolet Felsher

Somatic Practitioner and Wellness Coach

  • Remote only
  • โ‚ช180 - โ‚ช180 Per Session

Shibolet Felsher offers Somatic Experiencing, nervous system regulation, trauma release, and body-based healing to process emotions, build resilience, and grow.


"My approach to healing is deeply rooted in the work of Dr. Peter Levine and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score. I believe that our bodies hold memory, and until those imprints โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿ˜ƒ Humorous
  • ๐Ÿ‘‚ Listener
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Solution-oriented

Frayde Yudkowsky

Therapist, LSW, LMSW, CTP

  • In-office Lakewood, NJ
  • $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

Shira Katz, LCPC

Therapist, Licensed Certified Professional Counselor

  • In-office Baltimore, MD
  • $170 Per Session

Shira Malka Katz, LCPC, uses EMDR, inner child work, mindfulness, somatic, and expressive therapies to heal trauma, grief, attachment, and life transitions.


"I see the inner child within each person, the part that longs to be seen, loved, and accepted, and my hope is to help you connect with that part of yourself, too. I approach therapy as both a โ€ฆ

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

Balance Eating Disorder Treatment Center

Recovery Redefined

  • In-office Manhattan, NY
  • I accept insurance

Balance Eating Disorder Treatment Center


"At BALANCE, we offer a wide range of comprehensive and personalized programs designed to meet clients where they are in their recovery journey: Day Treatment Program (PHP): A structured, intensive program that provides daily therapeutic and meal support โ€ฆ

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

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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