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:
As we approach our High Holidays, it’s natural to feel a sense of trepidation and fear about the future. In our spiritual journey, the phrase “al tira” – “do not be afraid” – is laced into the very foundation of our faith. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Shoftim: Be Not Afraid and Judge Favorably Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsHe puts blessings and curses in front of us and teaches us the path to blessings every day of our lives. He’s telling us to open our minds, our eyes, to the positive, to the blessings in life. This, the parsha is teaching, will bring happiness. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Re’eh: Blessings, Curses, and a Call for Tzedakah Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellMoses, in his profound wisdom from which we benefit in this parsha, guides us towards a deeper understanding of nourishment that transcends the physical realm. He urges us to look beyond the mere tangible aspects of our nutritional sustenance and to perceive the divine essence infused within every morsel. [Michael Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Eikev: Elevating Eating to a Sacred Act Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThe parsha urges us, pleads with us, to prioritize our self-care and well-being. Our bodies harbor immense potential, which can only be fully realized when we maintain optimal health. In the Torah’s view, our physical forms are sacred vessels, instruments for achieving greatness. [Michael Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Va’etchanan, Shabbat Nachamu: Caring for One’s Health Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThis week’s parsha relates that when first instructed to leave Mount Sinai and head towards Canaan, the Israelites were overcome with fear and mistrust, interpreting Hashem’s actions as hatred rather than love. This reaction demonstrates how trauma can distort perception and hinder progress. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Devarim, Shabbat Chazon: Lessons of Trauma, Dignity Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsWe stand as a testament to “unity in diversity.” Forged in the crucible of history, we have been welded into a single, indomitable nation – Am Yisrael Chai. Yet within our mighty family beats the heart of diversity: twelve distinct tribes, each a pillar of strength, each with its own rich tradition. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parashiot Matot – Massei: Diversity and 42 Stops on the Road of Life Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellPinchas’ extraordinary longevity wasn’t supernatural, but a direct result of his inner harmony, his mindfulness, and his ability to not disturb himself. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Pinchas: The Benefits of Inner Peace Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
As I’ve seen in my own practice over the many years, I’ve turned more and more to the healing power of Torah study and this leaps off the pages of this essential read, as we see the need for emotional wellness guidance and education more than ever. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
‘Letters for Life’ Worthy of Keeping as a Trusted Companion Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsHere, we share fences with Conservative, Reform and Orthodox congregations and yet we remain judgmental and distant. How can we bridge these schisms and find harmony? Can we express our beliefs without descending into conflict? Can we maintain love for one another despite passionate disagreements? [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parsha Balak: A Call for a Unified, not Uniform, Jewish Community Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAMoshe’s outburst – his harsh words and the physical act of striking the rock – can be viewed as a manifestation of accumulated stress, grief, and possibly burnout. It highlights the crucial need for leaders to develop robust emotional resilience and self-care practices to maintain their equilibrium in challenging times. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parsha Chukat: When Moses’ Emotions Undid Him Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsImagine being handed a golden ticket and complaining it’s not platinum. That was Korach in a nutshell. His dissatisfaction bubbled and boiled, a cauldron of ambition and discontent that would eventually overflow, scalding not just himself but those around him. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parsha Korach: Portrait of an Envious, Self-Aggrandizing Man Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsImagine the scene – the Jewish People, fresh out of the incredible Exodus experience, find themselves faced with a choice: embrace the positive or succumb to the negative. Tragically, they chose the latter, disqualifying the miracles they had witnessed and viewing life through a filter of excessive bleakness. It’s a cautionary tale that resonates even today with a world filled with depression and anxiety. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parsha Shelach: Don’t Let Your Fears Get in Your Way Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsMoses is like, “Oy vey, can these people just be happy for five minutes?” Exasperated, Moses cries out to Hashem, “Kill me rather, I beg you, and let me see no more of my wretchedness” So, he begs Hashem to make them stop whining. But Hashem’s response is epic: “You want meat? You got it! A whole month of meat until it’s coming out your ears!” [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Behaalotecha: Focus on the Good Things Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors“May the Lord bless you and watch over you. May the Lord cause His countenance to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord raise His countenance toward you and grant you peace.” [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parsha Naso: The Origin of the Priestly Blessing Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors