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:
The invisible power of fear, the dread of solitude, finds its only remedy in the recognition that we are never truly alone. The profound message from parashat Bo resonates: “Come with Me.” Embrace the divine companionship that dispels the illusion of isolation. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parasha Bo: Fear Results from a Sense of Aloneness Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThis week we learn of Abraham’s test to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. It’s the only challenge of the ten trials in the Torah clearly identified as a “test.” Hashem needed to test Abraham? After all, isn’t He omniscient? Yes, but the purpose of these tests are to elevate Abraham, to help him grow. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parasha Va’eira: Accepting Life’s Challenges Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsImagine this: you, nestled in His embrace, unshackled from earthly limits. Now, wouldn’t Hashem naturally want to protect and provide for you? That’s the essence of Bitachon – a deep assurance that, fueled by your trust, Hashem’s blessings will manifest, regardless of any perceived “worthiness.” [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parasha Shemot: Trust in God, Have Compassion for Others Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — What sustains you through inevitable setbacks in life? Is it your self-confidence? After all, pop psychology would have us believe that what it takes is simply true belief in yourself. But this week’s parasha, Vayechi, teaches us that what strengthened and motivated Joseph was a genuine understanding
Parashat Vayechi: A Lens of Positivity Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — In the midst of the formidable challenges that we’re grappling with, especially since October 7th, it’s high time for a profound, spiritual awakening. This week’s parasha, Vayigash, unfolds with captivating lessons that beckon us to elevate our lives to a whole new level. Drawing inspiration from the
Parashat Vayigash: Elevating Our Lives to a New Level Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — If you’re not feeling the magic of “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” let’s chat. Picture this: back in 1963, Jewish composers Eddie Pola and George Wyle (aka Bernard Weissman) crafted the catchy lyrics and music for that very song. Now, if you’re scratching your head
Parashat Mikeitz: Standing Resilient Against the Darkness Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — What an incredible week we’ve got coming up! With the joyous celebrations of Chanukah and the always-awaited Shabbat, it’s a whirlwind of excitement. Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and the festive happenings, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly on the move. But
Parashat Vayeishev: Pushing the Pause Button Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Thank you, Jacob. For what, you may well ask. For teaching us the value of never missing an opportunity in life to do good, to say a kind word, to recognize that the present is all we have. Jacob, in a simple act, showed us to avoid
Parashat Vayishlach: Being Mindful of the Small Stuff Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Thanksgiving. No, not the holiday that comes this week on November 23. Rather, what the Torah portion we read this week, Vayeitzei, teaches us about giving thanks. The root letters of “odeh” – “I will give thanks,” form the basis of the name that Leah chose for
Parashat Vayeitzei: Thanksgiving Meets the Torah Portion Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — In the enchanting pages of Toldot this week, we uncover a love story that stands as the very first chapter in the sacred book of Torah. It’s a tale that ignites the flame of passion and unity, reminding us that in love, we’re destined to become one.
Parshat Toldot: The Unity of Love Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Sarah lived to be 127 while Abraham lived to be 175. Chayei Sarah, can be translated as “The Lifetime of Sarah.” From the Talmud we learn, “the righteous are called living even after death.” Perhaps this is why the prominence of Sarah’s life is highlighted in the
Parashat Chayei Sarah: The Benefits of Aging Young Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — And here is where, it seems, many of our current troubles all begin, more than 4,000 years ago. Careful reading of this week’s parasha may help us understand some of the mysteries enveloping today’s events. And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had
Parashat Vayeira: Commentary on Coexistence Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — In this, the third Torah reading of this remarkably eventful new year, we learn in Lech Lecha of the spiritual trajectory of our lives. Hashem tells Avraham, “Lech Lecha,” go for yourself, “me’artzecha,” from your homeland, “mimoladitecha,” from your birthplace, “u’mi’beit avicha,” and from your father’s house
Parashat Lech Lecha: The Value of Discomfort Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Look at the world Noach lived in. Greed, oppression, corruption, sexual excess, and worse. Wait. What’s changed? Look at our world. How do we cope without an ark to escape into? Floods, figuratively at least, surround us. Our response, our Jewish response, is to continue to be resilient,
Parashat Noach: Being a Mensch in a World Flooded With Strife Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell