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

Moses (Moishe) Hoffman

Wholality Facilitator & Coach

  • In-office London, United Kingdom

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

Pesach Tikvah

Achieving Peace of Mind

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

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

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

Dr. Yosef Tropper, PsyD

Therapist, Doctor of Psychology, LCPC, LMHC, LPC

  • In-office Manchester, New Jersey

Dr. Yosef Tropper, Psy.D. has a therapeutic approach that embodies a combination of warmth and empathy, coupled with a direct and goal-oriented focus.


" In my therapeutic approach, I try to combine: -warmth and empathy -direct and goal-oriented focus -IFS and other trauma interventions to help you unburden. My commitment is to genuinely comprehend your unique identity, acknowledge your past experiences, and โ€ฆ

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Direct
  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐Ÿฃ Out of the box
  • ๐Ÿค Collaborative

Menachem Bernfeld, Ms.Ed. CLC

Ms.Ed. CLC

  • In-office Lakewood, New Jersey

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

Fraidy Shagalov, LCSW

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • Remote only

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

Laura Schneebaum, LMHC-D

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

  • In-office Manhattan, New York

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

Malka Katzenstein

Wellness Coach

  • In-office New York

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

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

Sarit Shaer

Healer & Life Coach

  • In-office Israel

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

Tzipora Hastings

Dietitian, RDN

  • Remote only

Tzipora Hastings is a Frum Dietitian in Baltimore


" To me, nutrition is so personal! You are unique and require special attention to your needs. However, you are also not alone. There is a community of others experiencing similar challenges and I hope you can find comfort โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Solution-oriented
  • ๐ŸŒŽ Holistic
  • ๐Ÿค Collaborative

Ari Perl

Therapist, LCSW

  • In-office Kew Gardens Hills, New York

Ari Perl is a frum licensed clinical social worker whose approach to therapy is grounded in a humanistic, holistic, and non-pathologizing perspective.


" Wholesome Process & Results. My approach to therapy is grounded in a humanistic, holistic, and non-pathologizing perspective. Beautiful and powerful innate qualities lives in each and every one of us. My clients develop a better understanding of themselves, โ€ฆ

  • ๐Ÿ’™ Warm
  • ๐ŸŒŽ Holistic

Frayde Yudkowsky

Therapist, LSW, LMSW, CTP

  • In-office Lakewood, New Jersey

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

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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