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:
Every thread of justice we weave, every hand we extend in care, every ember of anger we extinguish within ourselves – these become luminous threads in the tapestry of the sacred. [Michael R. Mantell]
Parsha Kedoshim: The Commandment to be Holy Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsWhile guilt can serve as a moral motivator, it should not consume us. We must make efforts to correct mistakes, have a plan to avoid repeating them, and then let go of perseverating on the past through forgiveness. Using this Hashem-given capacity for forgiveness allows us to heal and grow spiritually and psychologically. {Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parsha Acharei Mos: Okay to Cry, but Then Vow to Live a Torah-Life Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsWe learn in the Talmud in Baba Metziah 58b, that one who shames another in public, around a Seder table for instance, is as if he/she spilled that person’s blood. One who does so has no share in the World to Come, according to our teachings. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parsha Metzora-Shabbat Hagadol: Eschew Lashon Hara Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsBelieving that you “go up” when you “put another down,” speaking lashon hora, reflects on your unhealthy ego. Speaking lashon hara about another is like wearing a glowing sign that shouts, “I’m emotionally unhealthy!” [Michael R. Mantell]
Parsha Tazria: Guarding Against Gossip Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsWe read, “And Aaron was silent.” SILENT? Aaron, the boys’ father was SILENT? How could a parent be silent upon losing two sons? How can we be silent in the face of the frightening eruption of antisemitism in our lives? This narrative has troubled many erudite scholars, thinkers, and elders over centuries. We are currently ensnared in a time that has killed many, upended lives, and endangered our daily paths. Are we to be silent? [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Shemini–Hachodesh: The Silence of Aaron Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsDr. David DeSteno and his colleagues reveal a profound truth – that gratitude is a powerful force, capable of igniting a radiant chain reaction of goodness and compassion. Perhaps this is what is behind the good Moshe delivers to Aharon…not so much “making” him “feel good,” but rather when one’s heart is filled with gratitude for the blessings received, it becomes a wellspring from which kindness and generosity flow forth. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Tzav: Gratefulness Can Inspire Others Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsIn spiritual terms, Amalek embodies the constant battle within us and the world. Their actions represent the darkness that seeks to extinguish the divine light within humanity. Though physically gone, the “spirit of Amalek” persists in ideologies that oppose good. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parasha Vayikra/Zachor: Amalek Then and Now Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThe parasha hints at something quite illuminating. While we built the Mishkan, the process of doing so, the unity we experienced, our undistracted singular focus and purpose, our following Hashem’s plan, actually built us, says the Malbim. By building something, the builder changes. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parashat Pekudei: Fulfilling God’s Sacred Plan in Unity Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThe name “Betzalel” means “being in God’s shadow,” suggesting that he had attained the level of tzadik and achieved yihud with Hashem. But simply possessing chochmah, t’vunah and daat, simply sharing a unity with Hashem, are not enough. It’s what you do with your education and knowledge to help others, that matters. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parasha Vayakhel-Shekalim: Teaching One Another in Unity Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsBeing counted is one thing, being counted upon to give an offering to Hashem is another. Some believe that they “must” be counted by, approved of by others. Others see more deeply and understand that being approved of, being counted by Hashem, has far more meaning. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parasha Ki Tisa: Counting and Being Counted Upon Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThis week’s parasha opens with a clear command to create and maintain the ner tamid, a light much like the chanukiyah, not to be used for any practical purpose but rather to amplify our connection to Hashem.[Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parasha Tetzaveh: Keep the Light Shining Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsMaking a sanctuary is understood to be the requirement for Hashem to dwell within us. We cannot be passive and expect Hashem to dwell within us. We are required to take the first step. He doesn’t live in a building, isn’t restricted to one place, but rather lives within us, within our hearts, and within our minds. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parasha Terumah: A Sanctuary for God in Our Hearts Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsHealing requires patience, understanding and seeing the imperfect humanity of one another. We all make mistakes in our search for purpose and belonging. Parasha Mishpatim is teaching us to have compassion when those around us falter on their journey, binding up hearts broken by rage and judgement. If together we pick up the shattered pieces with care, perhaps we’ll find wholeness awaits on the other side. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parasha Mishpatim: Finding Meaning in Brokenness Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsLike Moshe, burdened by his flock, we often wear ourselves thin in service. But just as Yitro offered wise counsel to Moshe to share the burden, remember that neglecting your own wellspring weakens you and those you serve. Self-care isn’t indulgence, it’s sacred stewardship. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parasha Yitro: Care for Yourself, as Yitro Instructed Moses Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors