Do you really need to listen to a Podcast on the Commandment "Do Not Murder?" Is there anything more obvious and fundamental to human flourishing than this command? It is likely (hopefully) that none of you have truly been tempted to commit this heinous crime.
Except for this week, we just commemorated Yom HaShoah, remembering the six million victims of our people, of blessed memory, who lost their lives to cold blooded Nazi murder. This is but yesterday in history, not to mention how much more innocent blood is shed in our world today.
And beyond murder, as a Dibber, there is so much that each and every one of us need to internalize about it. Lo Tirtzach is the first Dibber that deals with the world of interpersonal relationships, Bein Adam Lechavero. In it, we learn about the sanctification, dignity, respect and love we each must have for ourselves and each other, as being created in the Image of God.
What better way to discuss this Dibber than through a conversation about mental health, Judaism and the importance of choosing life, not just physically, but psychologically, emotionally, spiritually.
In this week's episode, I speak with Rabbi Yoni Rosensweig, who is a leading expert on Mental Health and Halacha. He is the Founder of the Ma'aglei Nefesh Center for Mental Health, Community & Halacha, the Rabbi of Netzach Menashe Community in Israel, and a teacher in Midreshet Lindenbaum. He has authored several books, including the recently published and ground-breaking work on the interplay between Mental Health and Halacha, titled "Nafshi Beshe'elati." It is soon to be translated into English.
Rav Yoni is a hero of mine and his love, passion and commitment to helping people heal is inspiring and uplifting. It can really be felt in this conversation. I am so thankful for Rav Yoni's initiative to make Jewish law relevant and sensitive to the unique needs of individuals and communities who are struggling with mental health challenges. He is a living example of someone willing to fill a void and do what's right, with courage and care.
Come listen and learn together about the importance of mental health in Jewish practice, while gathering some practical tools that each individual and their respective communities can apply, in order to create a more sensitive and welcoming environment for psychological well-being.
And for anyone struggling in any way, please go to https://mnefesh.org, where you can book a chat to discuss any concerns with a qualified Rabbinic authority, who has expertise in mental health. Even have your therapist come along, so that you and the Maaglei Nefesh team can work together to ensure that your care fits with your religious situation.
As for the episode, we hope you find it meaningful! Click HERE to Listen, and don’t forget to subscribe.
Love, Noach Binyamin
Find out more at https://aseret-the-wisdom-of-the-ten.pinecast.co
