Michael Mantell

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — This week’s parasha presents an intriguing perspective for those with an inclination towards environmentalism. It articulates, “When besieging a city for an extended period, preparing for war to conquer it, refrain from felling its trees with axes. These trees are for sustenance, and you must not cut them […]

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Human nature leads us to believe what we think is correct in our own eyes – “hayashar be-einav.” This week’s psychologically insightful portion however, tells us that what we would be wiser to do is to follow what is correct in the eyes of Hashem, “hayashar be-einei Hashem,”

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — We’ve all heard inspirational messages, stories that lead to a few moments of emotional response. But for a story to lead to lasting impact, to change the course of our behavior, we must see that story as connecting to the very foundation of our life’s purpose, what many

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Wow! Talk about a special Shabbat. First, this is Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of Comfort, based on the first verse of the Haftarah reading that says, “Console, console my people, says your G-d.” This, of course, follows Tisha B’Av in which we deeply re-experienced a litany of tragedies

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Let’s begin at the beginning of this week’s parasha, which we read on the Shabbos before Tisha B’Av every year, and look at the first words of the Torah reading, “These are the words which Moshe spoke unto all of Israel across the Jordan…” Yes, Moshe spoke

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — There’s a Jewish maxim, “Every generation receives the leader it deserves.” Parasha Pinchas seems to provide a foundation for this adage. The parasha distinguishes between the leadership of Moses, who in today’s language would be described as a wise, dauntless, self-aware, “we” not “me,” conscious leader, and Joshua,

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — This Shabbat we have the opportunity to connect with our “inner Aaron.” Aaron was the brother of Moses and held the position of High Priest (Kohen Gadol). That is, he and his sons were charged with ultimate responsibility for the spiritual services in the tabernacle such as bringing

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Talk about misunderstanding what leadership is all about. No, I’m not talking about the current election and divisiveness we see everywhere. I’m talking about Korach’s lust for power and material wealth, and what we know authority and leadership truly call for, the richness of spiritual sensitivity. Korach’s style

By (Proud Papa) Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — This week’s parasha is a landmark in Torah’s teaching in contemporary psychology. And a beautiful landmark, B”H, in our family. This Shabbat our youngest grandson’s, Jacob and Max Mantell, will IY”H, become b’nei mitzvah. And it is also the auf ruf of our oldest grandson,

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — This week’s Torah reading, Behaalotecha, appears to be the basis of one of my mother’s oft-repeated sayings, “Keep complaining and I’ll really give you something to complain about.” Seems the Israelites grew tired of their monotonous diet of manna, pining for the fish and other foods they

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — In this week’s parasha, Naso, we are introduced to the Birkat Kohanim, the “Priestly Blessing.” We’re all familiar with it. We’ve heard it said, recited it ourselves, and given it to others, many times: “May the Lord bless you and watch over you. יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֥ יְהוָֹ֖ה וְיִשְׁמְרֶֽךָ: May

By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — It’s not often that a d’var Torah I write begins with the words of Rabbi Steven S. Wise, but this week’s parasha Bamidbar, read the week before Shavuot, is one of those times. In 1905 he said, “Help and respect can come to a people only through self-help