Michael Mantell

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. EL CAJON, California — This week’s Torah portion, Ki Tisa, provides us a powerful reflection on human nature, faith, and the psychological challenges we all face in our lives. The events surrounding the creation of the Golden Calf teach us about the consequences of our being impatient, inflexible and lacking […]

Do we need a sanctuary to know, to feel, Hashem’s presence and that He dwells in our midst?  Or like the little girl flying her kite, do we “feel the tug” wherever we are? Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk teaches us that “G-d dwells where we let Him in.” [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

This week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim, is a profound exploration of law, ethics, and relationships, offering deep psychological insight into emotional well-being. Through a mental health lens examining this section of the Torah, we can extract valuable lessons about trust, mindfulness, and interpersonal dynamics—critical components of mental health and emotional resilience. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]

In the shadow of Har Sinai, where the thunderous revelation of Matan Torah is about to unfold, an unexpected teacher emerges, Yitro, a Midianite priest and Moshe Rabbeinu’s father-in-law. Before the epic moment of receiving the Torah we are presented with a powerful twist—a lesson in leadership, humility, and the art of balancing spiritual loftiness with practical wisdom. [Michael R. Mantell,Ph.D]

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. EL CAJON, California — In the Torah portion Beshalach which we read this week, a profound verse highlights the relationship between divine guidance and personal well-being. The text presents two nuanced interpretations of Hashem’s role as a healer.  It contains the following verse: “If thou wilt diligently hearken to the

Parsha Bo’s greatest lesson is to never accede, to never give in, to never give up. A wonderful lesson on Mental Health Awareness Shabbat in the UK, a day dedicated to promoting good mental health within the Jewish community. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

When Hashem calls Moses to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses responds with an expression of self-doubt: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should take the children of Israel out of Egypt?” Hashem’s reply is profound in its psychological and emotional depth: “For I will be with you, and this is the sign for you that it was I Who sent you. When you take the people out of Egypt, you will worship Hashem on this mountain.” {Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

While the events of our lives are commonly beyond our control, the way we interpret them—and how we choose to react to them—are abilities within our own mind. This teaching echoes through the story of Joseph, who reinterprets the betrayal of his brothers as part of Hashem’s divine plan, and through Jacob, who blesses his children with wisdom. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]

– This week, as we read וַיִּגַּשׁ (Vayigash), we encounter what many consider to be one of the most emotionally powerful moments in the entire Torah. We witness the remarkable story of Joseph—the first person in the Torah to teach us how to heal and transform the way we think, feel, and respond to life’s challenges. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

The miracle of the oil is a foundation for why candle lighting, an act of pirsuma d’nisa (publicizing the miracle), is one of the two major commandments of Chanukah, with reciting Hallel as the other. Through lighting candles, we can display our hope, trust, and faith in Hashem and in His role in our lives. When they lit the menorah in the Temple, they did so from a belief, a hope, that the future is not preordained, that the future can truly be altered. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]

Yosef received a life-changing lesson about purpose and focus. When Yosef was wandering, searching for his brothers, the Angel Gavriel appeared and asked him a powerfully insightful and transformative question: “Mah Tevakesh?” – “What are you seeking?” Read and repeat that to yourself. “Mah Tevakesh?” – “What are you seeking?” Do you know? [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]