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Dr. Michael Mantell[/caption]
Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. is a retired psychologist, best-selling author, international speaker, and a highly sought after cognitive behavioral coach whose actionable, valuable and practical work has been featured on Fox News, ABC-TV, NBC-TV, CBS-TV, The New York Times, and The Huffington Post. He has been teaching how Torah’s wisdom can lead to optimal living for many decades. You can follow him on Facebook and in other social media, where he has posted the #MantellDaily5 everyday for years.
His books, available on Amazon, include:
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*Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: P.S. It’s All Small Stuff
*The Link Is What You Think
*Ticking Bombs: Defusing Violence in the Workplace (with Steve Albrecht)
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The Torah introduces this ritual with the words “zot chukat haTorah,” this is the decree of the Torah. Not just any mitzvah, but the chok, the archetype of divine commandments that transcend human logic. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Chukat: The Red Heifer and the Psychology of Sacred Imperfection Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThe Sages ask, “Korach was a wise man, what led him to such foolishness?” From a psychological standpoint, it was envy unchecked, ego unexamined. Despite his status and privilege, Korach felt threatened. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Korach: Ego and the Power of Humility Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsIn Shelach, we encounter a powerful psychological drama: after the spies (meraglim) return with their disheartening report, the Israelites are overwhelmed with fear and negativity. They lash out at Moshe Rabbeinu and Aaron, crying, “If only we had died in Egypt!” Their misery leads them straight to the oldest human defense mechanism, blame. They direct their frustration toward their leaders and stir up conflict (machloket). [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Shelach – Our Outlook Depends on Our ‘Inlook’ Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsRav Kook teaches that humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself. It means knowing that your worth is inherent, and that your strengths are gifts—not achievements of ego, but expressions of divine kindness. In this view, humility is a form of spiritual clarity. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Behaalotecha: Redirected, Not Rejected Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThis isn’t about ignoring contradiction. It’s about becoming spacious enough inside to carry it. Where our minds seek resolution and certainty, our hearts—when open—can hold paradox without panic. It can live with tension without demanding it to dissolve. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Naso: Making Room in Your Heart for Opposites Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsIt’s a narrative of transition—from dependence to agency, from miracles to management. Within its verses unfold the full drama of collective life: the struggle for leadership and legitimacy, the fear and promise of scarcity and abundance, the frictions of war and fragile peacetimes. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Bamidbar: Navigating Fear with Faith Read More »
Antisemitism, Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsNechemta. A word of comfort, of peace, often heard as a sermon closes. But it’s more than a closing phrase—it’s a lifeline. And in a year marked by pain and tragedy, from growing antisemitism throughout the world, nechemta isn’t just welcomed—it’s needed. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parshiot Behar-Bechukotai: The Strength Within the Pain Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThere are moments in the Jewish calendar that feel as though they arrive right on time—not just in sync with the Torah cycle, but with the emotional and spiritual needs of the world. Parsha Emor feels like one of those moments. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Emor: The Healing Power of Gentle Speech Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThere’s a common trap we all fall into – becoming so absorbed in our own lives that we lose sensitivity to the experiences of those around us. We stop hearing, stop seeing — not because we’re cruel, but because we’re too self-focused to notice. The Torah, with its eternal wisdom, confronts this human tendency head-on. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parashiot Acherei-Kedoshim: Share the light of Torah Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThis week’s Torah readings bring profound, overwhelming, and weighty lessons for living a healthier, more mindful, genuinely caring, and authentically considerate life. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parshiot Tazria-Metzora: Blueprint for Emotional Healing, Human Dignity Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodWhen people try to silence Jews who are fighting antisemitism, they aren’t protecting justice — they’re protecting hatred. We won’t be silent. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Some Tips for Countering Antisemitism Read More »
Antisemitism, Michael Mantell, Opinion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsWhat disturbed Nadav and Avihu was not evil—it was their unchanneled passion. A desire to serve, but without the humility to follow the structure Hashem set. They acted, but they weren’t aligned. (Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.)
Parsha Shemini: Stillness that Elevates Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsShabbos HaGadol isn’t just another Shabbos—it’s the Shabbos heartbeat of Pesach’s sacredness, the spark that sets our redemption in motion. It’s called “the Great Shabbos” because it holds within it the power of Shabbos and Yom Tov of Pesach, blending them into something extraordinary. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Tzav: Tending to the Eternal Flame Within Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsWhen you’re face-to-face with antisemitism—or any brand of hate—the fury is real. It burns through your gut and shreds at your soul. Every instinct screams to scream back. To curse. To retaliate with the same venom that’s being hurled at you. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
When Hate is Aimed at Us, Let’s Not Respond in Kind Read More »
Antisemitism, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors